Wholeness Part II--The Gut Life

Written By Taylor Glymph

Nightly, I would emerge from a warm shower to find welts covering my back accompanied by intense itching. This was the beginning…actually, it only seemed like it was, but it was the manifestation of something that had been happening for a while. I went through all of the thoughts that come when one thinks she has an allergic reaction, “Is there something new that has been introduced to my life? I had not changed my detergent, soap or lotion, so what else could it be?”  

I have since learned more about the prevalence of how women have to persuade their physicians to take a closer look at their health (especially those of color). We often know how to listen to our bodies better than those who are examining them. Be determined to find professionals who will take you seriously.  Be determined to get real answers. Yet, we can over-idealize doctors and forget that they only know what they know. Trust your gut! I had to press for blood, stress and other tests. After being made to think that I was simply having a basic allergic reaction and acid reflux (which was happening, but a symptom of a deeper issue), I was diagnosed with a gut infection. Antibiotics were prescribed (which often do more harm to the gut). So, I sought out naturopathic options. Took herbal supplements. Spent a lot of time Googling. Grew frustrated. Became astonished at the things that I did not know about my body. I found a naturopathic doctor who listened and after some testing named that I had developed various sensitivities. The chest pains and skin reactions that I had experienced were symptoms of an unhealthy gut. The welts were signs that I had allowed my body to carry more than it should. These stress marks were evidence that my body had labored under pressure, pain and perfectionism.

Until I began my current research, which involves listening to the stories of black women pastors, I had no clue how common stress showed up in these ways.  Many told me stories of adrenal fatigue, hair loss, shingles, depression, thyroid disease and other signs of illness.  Most of them chose to undergo some lifestyle changes to heal their guts—cutting out dairy, abandoning gluten (which is in more foods than many people know), reducing sugar, drinking more water, taking probiotics and other herbs. The challenges of being nourished in a capitalistic and pleasure-driven society are real. We have food options that are convenient, cheap and fast, but lacks real nourishment. 

The gut controls so much of our health! I cannot emphasize this enough. The bloating, the weight gain, the hormonal challenges can often be traced to the gut. When the microbiome (the highly influential bacteria system in the gut) is upset, then the entire body feels its effects. Even brain fog can result from gut imbalances. To learn more about these issues, see the links at the end of this post. 

One of the best changes that occurred was that I made more time to cook healthy meals. I took more time to research recipes, prepare meals from fresh produce and create meals that nourished my body. I went from eating on-the-go to delighting in nourishing food. I began with a daily routine of herbal tea with 1.5 tbsp of apple cider vinegar. Followed by a probiotic. Followed by at least 8 oz of water. Then a breakfast of fruit or vegetables. Finally, a cup of coffee (yes, this meant by the time, most people were getting ready for lunch, I was preparing my first cup of coffee).  I now have more matcha than coffee. I added more stretching and yoga to my exercise routine. I added more greens and fiber to help restore my gut to health.  I returned to journaling at least once a week. I began a garden. 

I do have gratitude for the lessons that living in overdrive have taught me.  Stress reminded me of my true cravings and called me to be a better steward of my body. I began to choose real food [not genetically modified and those with several additives]. I began to slow down—to dine, to delight and decide to make my health a priority. There was no one issue causing the stress and no one situation to blame it on. I had let various issues build up over time and I was dealing with a great deal of transition. One of the most notable aspects that I gave up was perfectionism. I cannot emphasize how instrumental this was in my healing. I had to stop striving in ways that were unhealthy and unrealistic. I stopped seeing parts of my life and work as projects to be modeled and showcased, instead of pieces in progress and holy offerings. I still work hard, desire to be excellent and effective; yet I am not in a harmful and hopeful pursuit of perfection.  

I do realize that for everyone who reads this, it may not be as simple to make lifestyle changes. The circumstances in which you live, work and financially find yourself may not be so easy to escape.  Remember that making small changes in the areas in which you have control can have positive impacts on your health.  I am not advocating for a specific diet, meal ritual, but for wholeness—and for you to figure out what is optimal for your body. 

Wholeness is a journey.  I hope that in the areas of your life where you are not feeling whole that you will seek out professionals and commit to changes that will help to restore your health (whether it be spiritually, emotionally, mentally and/or physically). Suffering in silence and solitude can be deadly. Choose wholeness— “harmonious whole; unity; the state of being unbroken and undamaged.”

I have learned to listen more keenly—to God, my loved ones and my body. I say “no” more often than before. I avoid toxicity when possible. I surround myself with people who are life-giving. I hope these words will encourage you to trust your gut!

Here are some articles if you are interested in learning more about the gut life:

Taylor Glymph
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Wholeness Part III--Hindrances to Wholeness
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Year of Wholeness [Part I]