Today, we're diving into the world of nutrition with a Q&A from gut health expert Heather Van Tassel.

The impact of what we eat and our overall well-being is undeniable.

I was fascinated with Heather’s background, and after getting to know her, was equally intrigued by her gut-health and nutritional journey.

Heather’s background includes:

• BSc. in biochemistry and neuroscience.

• A certified gut health practitioner through the HWCA.

• A certified meditation teacher, practicing peak states therapy and holistic nutrition.

We sat down to talk about her personal experience healing from a very severe concussion, and then from mold toxicity and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) - both incredibly taxing experiences on Heather’s overall health - and how she explored foods and dietary changes to help her heal. 

Now Heather is a nutrition coach and meditation practitioner, using mindfulness and diet adjustments to help her clients discover how food choices and mindful eating practices can significantly enhance overall physical health.

Read below for a summary of our Q&A discussion.

• Heather Van Tassel, a certified gut health practitioner, takes a very holistic and evidence-based approach to healing, and aims to provide a trauma-informed and loving container for all clients.

• She specializes in helping women heal IBS using her 6-step framework which involves stool testing, supplements, herbs, nutrition and vagus nerve exercises. 

Q: How did you leverage nutrition in your recovery from a concussion?

HVT: I experienced a really severe concussion in 2017, and this was the beginning of my health journey. It took me 5-months to recover from bad headaches and fatigue. I discovered that a high-fat, high-protein, low-carb diet can support recovery from a concussion. Healthy fats and ketones, along with protein, can help rebuild the body during fasting periods, promoting repair and healing. I was really curious about the role food could play in my recovery, so I played around with ratios to figure out what would work. I attribute the eventual recovery breakthrough to three things:

1. Q: What were your symptoms of mold toxicity and how did you address it through nutrition and continued experimentation with food choices?

   
   HVT: Symptoms of mold toxicity include exhaustion, brain fog, fatigue, tingling sensation in feet, and a tinge of green on the tongue. Once I suspected this was the issue, I actively began to detox with smoothies with cilantro, barley, and lemon, I used binders like activated charcoal, and took an anti-fungal tincture.

   I also discovered I had SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth)- which causes excessive bloating, gas, and stomach pain. It can be caused by nervous system dysregulation, stress and nervous system dysregulation leading to lower stomach acid production and motility issues, or mold toxicity- which is what my root cause was - and restrictive diets. About 68% of IBS cases are actually due to SIBO. 

2. Q: Once you learned more about SIBO after the initial detox from mold, how did you adjust your diet and what else did you do to continue your healing? 

   HVT: I realized that I needed to eliminate foods to figure out what would trigger inflammation and painful bloating, so I went on a low-FODMAP diet and added foods back intuitively. I used castor oil packs on my stomach, and tried to blend most of my food, and used some herbal antimicrobials. I went on a 7-day hike to disconnect from stressors and be in nature which was incredibly healing. I now eat a vegetarian diet, with occasional fish, consume 50 grams of fiber per day, cook all of my veggies to avoid bloating and try to eat local, organic, whole foods, prepared at home as much as possible.  

3. Q: How can meditation impact gut health and overall well-being?

   HVT: Meditation can profoundly shift one's value system and reduce stress, which is beneficial for gut health. It can help move away from external validation, promote a sense of stillness, and foster deep gratitude. Regular meditation practice can support overall well-being and potentially aid in managing gut-related issues by reducing stress and promoting a calm, regulated state. I recommend this for any gut-healing plan.

4. Q: What has been the biggest surprise in shifting into being a gut health coach and mindfulness expert? 

   HVT: It is really inspiring to hold space for people, and see them put the pieces together & find the answers within them. It’s really rewarding when something clicks and they see a difference in their mindset.

Please note this Q&A is intended for educational purposes, and should not be interpreted as medical or dietary advice.

If you have questions or concerns about your gut health, food triggers, or potential dietary changes, please check in with your health care provider.