I know you’ve been trying everything you know to feel better, Reader.

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You’ve followed your GI doc’s recommendations. Maybe you’ve even seen a naturopath. You’ve upped your water intake, eliminated FODMAPs and histamine-rich foods, started magnesium… and yet, you’re still stuck with symptoms. Still bloated. Still uncomfortable. Still afraid to eat certain things.

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And it makes sense – because you’ve felt the symptoms after eating things like onions, bone broth, avocados, or broccoli. So of course avoiding those foods feels like the safest choice.

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But the fear of what might happen if you eat the “wrong” thing is now following you everywhere – on date nights with your partner, at your best friend’s wedding, on the trip you’ve been looking forward to for months. It’s isolating. It’s frustrating. And it’s completely understandable.

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Here’s the part no one talks about: following an elimination diet long-term (even with the best of intentions) can actually make your gut symptoms worse.

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Over time, it leads to real changes in the gut, like:

• Dysbiosis (an imbalance of your “good” and “bad” gut bacteria)
• Reduced enzyme production
• A weakened gut immune system

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And the psychological stress of constantly fearing food? That’s a trigger, too. (Hello, gut-brain connection!).

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It’s easy for me to say “your elimination diet is making things worse,” but it’s not so easy to actually reintroduce foods without feeling like you’re going to spiral into symptom mayhem. That’s where most people get stuck.

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Here’s what I want you to know:

Your symptoms aren’t random and they’re not in your head. They’re your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something feels off and I don’t feel safe.”

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That’s why the first step in sustainable gut healing isn’t cutting more out – it’s creating safety for your mind and body.

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That means:
🧘‍♀️ Slowing down before meals with a few deep breaths
🥄 Chewing your food thoroughly
🧠 Regulating your nervous system so you can shift into “rest and digest”
🍽️ Reintroducing foods strategically and gently rebuilding variety

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As my mentor Dr. Heather Finley says, “The more we treat food reactions like ‘just sensitivities,’ the more we miss what the body is actually trying to say.”

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You deserve a calm gut and the freedom to enjoy food and life again. 🥰

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Hit reply and let me know where you're getting stuck - always happy to have an honest, no pressure conversation about where to go from here.​
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Talk soon! xoxo Grace @ Nutrition with Grace​ ​​​​​ ​ ​ P.P.S. Ready to stop DIYing your gut health plan and find relief from your bloat that ACTUALLY lasts?? ​ That's exactly what we do inside The Heal Your Gut Blueprint - a program that will guide you step-by-step to resolving your IBS and SIBO for good without restriction! ​ ​Click here to fill out a no-obligation application and let's see if we're a mutually good fit 🥰 ​ Not sure if The Heal Your Gut Blueprint program is right for you? Hit reply and tell me what's been hard lately - I’ll give you honest, no-pressure support to help you decide. 💜 ​ ​ ​ Remember: this email is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. ​ New here? Sign up to receive all our gut health resources in our newsletter!

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