Let’s talk about what’s really going on with your gut.

Here’s how I prioritize my approach in someone who has chronic constipation: Step 1: get the right diagnosis (this is essential!!!) Not sure what kind of constipation you have? Grab my self-check list by commenting CHECKLIST below Step 2: get the bowels moving using laxatives &/or prokinetic medications AND set your mornings up for pooping success. I cover this in detail step by step in my Laxative course (comment LAXATIVE for more info) Step 3: All the rest…gut-brain support, microbiome, routines to support motility, nervous system support… AND yes then re-evaluate food reactions. Some of you may have intolerances we need to tease out, but a backed up colon makes it almost impossible to tease out what’s what. So many things get better, including your suspected “food sensitivities”, when we move the poop out. And yet it’s the step so many avoid because of fear/misinformation or because they think “they don’t work”. Let’s change that. Start with one of both of items above. And if you just want to skip to INDIVIDUALIZED 1:1 support, send me a DM or book a Discovery Call via link in bio.

Remember when we ate meals without putting protein powder in everything? Somewhere along the way, a smoothie, a bar, and a scoop in our water all became a regular Tuesday. When someone comes to me with chronic gut symptoms, the powders are one of the first places I look. Not because protein is bad. It matters. But for some people, what’s in the powder can irritate the gut, and nobody thinks to check. So before you cut another food, look at your powder list. It might be helping one part of your health while working against another. Sometimes getting your gut on track starts with simplifying. Eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, a spoonful of peanut butter. Whole foods on a plate, instead of cramming in every nutrient and turning every meal into a project. Simpler is often easier on your gut. Send this to someone who puts protein powder in everything. And follow along for gut health information that’s practical & evidence-based.

Constipated and wondering if SIBO or IMO is behind it? Or maybe you’ve already been treated for it, and things haven’t improved… or they keep coming back. Online, SIBO has become the go-to explanation. Bloated and constipated? It must be SIBO. Even some practitioners frame it this way. But the people who actually have SIBO or IMO are a much more specific group. Certain risk factors make it more likely. How we interpret the tests matters. And so does deciding who should actually be treated. Swipe through to see how I think through these cases with my patients. (This one’s all about constipation. Diarrhea is a post for another day.) After 10+ years as a Naturopathic Doctor focused on chronic constipation and IBS, I’ve learned that this nuance matters. Your history, your symptoms and your body all shape what you need. A good first step is understanding what kind of constipation you’re actually dealing with. When you’re ready, comment CHECKLIST and I’ll send you my Constipation Clarity Checklist. P.S. I see patients virtually across BC and in person in Victoria. If you’re interested in working together, send me a DM. (Clinicians: yes, I do case consults. Head to drlovink.com to book one and we’ll talk through your case.)