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Yes, I’m going there today on Episode 41 of the A Gutsy Girl podcast show: gut health is the new diet fad.

Today is another short episode with just you + me. Listen in now, then feel free to read the full thing below and/or save some of the graphics we created for later.

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Gut Health is the New Diet Fad {Episode 41, AGG Bites #2}

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Today’s episode is me ranting chatting about how gut health has become the new “diet” fad. Or maybe trend, I don’t know. Either way, it’s now become a whole thing.

In a recently published New York Times article titled, Why Is Gut Health Taking Over TikTok? The author used the subtitle,

Despite what social media might have you believe, there is no overnight shortcut to better digestive health.

And you know what? I could not echo this thought more. And yes, that’s coming from someone who has built an entire brand and business online via my website and social.

Some points from the article:

1. In March, influencers pushed shots of aloe vera juice: “My digestive system, like my gut health? Never been better,” one gushed in a video with one million likes while tapping on a purple bottle of the drink.
2. Another, with the username “oliveoilqueen,” advocated drinking extra virgin olive oil every day in a video viewed more than 3.5 million times, claiming that doing so cleared her skin, made her periods less painful and fixed her frequent bloating. 
3. Videos tagged with #guttok have garnered nearly 400 million views.
4. The most popular #guttok videos tend to feature before and after pictures — the swell of bloating under a crop top becomes toned abs. 

But anyways, upon reading the article back in April and really watching as the gut health topic explodes, I couldn’t help but want to share my own commentary.

Gut Health Topic Explosion

First, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that the explosion of the topic is frustrating to me when we see examples like the ones in The New York Times.

It makes those of us who have devoted our lives to this cause appear snake oil-ish and not only that but takes away from the true healing that I believe so many are in desperate need of. 

Don’t get me wrong. I always wanted people to become more aware of gut health and its implications on every last thing in our lives, but the way so many are twisting it feels gross to me. 

So how are you supposed to comb through the snake oil?

Here are 3 things to watch for when deciding what’s real and what’s not:

1. Look beyond the TikTok or IG handle. Do they have a website, any educational videos, other content, etc? Have they been at this a long time? Is there substance behind any of it?
2. Are sources cited? I’m definitely not saying that everything someone tries and succeeds with must have 1,000 studies to back it up. But we also have to use some common sense (i.e. olive oil = clear skin, less painful periods AND fixes frequent bloating?!)
3. If it’s a product, DO YOUR RESEARCH. I cannot emphasize this one enough. Grand View Research states that, “The global dietary supplements market size was valued at USD 151.9 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2022 to 2030.” What this means is that there are so many products out there, and in an industry that is highly unregulated, you better be regulating.

Now here’s another thing when it comes to the rise of gut health and the “influencer” era with it all.

I’m going to tell you a little secret, so come in REAL close.

Any influencer out there who is promoting something for gut health and then gives a code to save ‘X’ amount or the like it making money from that product. 

Now, you get to decide if what they are saying is pure shilling or sound.

Because here’s the deal, and here’s what I NEED you to know:

1. There is NO product out there that will solve all your digestive issues.
2. Optimal gut health does not always equal the swell of bloat turned toned abs. 
3. What you see on the outside does not define what’s going on on the inside.
4. Gut health and gut healing are not the same things, and the way gut health is being promoted is silently hurting many of you who truly need gut healing.
5. The more people and noise you allow into your healing space, the harder it will be to actually heal.
6. There is only one way to heal, and that is YOUR way with the help of a medical practitioner.

And I know what you may be thinking right now,

But wait, YOU talk about products. YOU sell your own gut health and gut healing products and programs and all of it.

So I am so glad I have the chance to address this!

I am NOT trying to take the place of a doctor, nutritionist or any other practitioner you have. In fact, my work 100% compliments them and contains tools to assist your relationship with them.

I create books, ebooks, articles, and courses to help you create a massive informational resource filled with information custom to and for YOU so that it makes their job easier.

When it comes to working with other people’s companies, products, and brands, I am very clear about the relationship.

For example, Just Thrive Health. I have been working with them for years. I vetted them to the nth degree and if you listen to Episode 37 ‘What Role Does the Gut Play in Mood and Brain Health’ with Tina Anderson, she comes straight out and says what a “stickler” I was.

Besides my trusted partnerships, I turn down approximately 95% of the people and brands who reach out to me.

And when someone does, here is how I instantly vet them,

Would I be comfortable telling my family and friends about this product and, in return, having them spend their hard-earned money on the product?

If the answer is YES, then, and only then will I start a conversation.

The amount of snake oil out there is astounding.

And it’s not just products, but it’s also the messaging.

Take for instance an app that wanted to work with me. I actually was very interested because the app focuses on intermittent fasting.

As you probably know, intermittent fasting was critical when I healed from SIBO for the final time.

However, the company wanted me to take the approach of “weight loss.” The weight loss messaging is not in alignment with my messaging of gut healing and true gut health. And therefore, even with a hefty amount of money, I did in fact turn it down.

I take pride in the integrity I have with the A Gutsy Girl brand, gut healing, and gut health in general.

In fact, I’ll tell you the things you DON’T want to hear like…..

• it’s not an easy road to heal
• there is no simple fix
• you must adhere to all three pillars – diagnosis, diet, and lifestyle – in order to heal for good, forever
• stressed? well then no pill or diet is ever going to heal that
• stop relying on Dr. Google
• and of course, a gulp here and there of olive oil is not going to save your gut’s soul

I’m not out to shill.

I’ve been doing this, and by this I mean providing mostly FREE gut health and gut healing research and content, for over a decade.

I’m doing the work for the long haul because regardless of who is making money off the topic, the demise of our gut health worldwide is real.

And people all over the world are still desperately seeking true and honest resources.

I will always pray that I’m able to be one.

More from A Gutsy Girl

Want to learn even more about the gut and ways to heal it? Learn all the secrets via my signature book, A Gutsy Girl’s Bible: a 21-day approach to healing the gut. Grab your copy on Amazon HERE.

Or, have this book at your fingertips instantly by downloading the PDF now.

1. Welcome to A Gutsy Girl Podcast
2. Hang out on Instagram
3. BFF’s on YouTube
4. Free resource: The Master Gutsy Spreadsheet
5. Rated-G Email Club

Wrap Up

Time to wrap this up. As always, a huge goal for this show is to connect with even more people. Feel free to send an email to our team at podcast@agutsygirl.com. We want to hear questions, comments, show ideas, etc.

Did you enjoy this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

If you’re looking to finally get started on your gut healing journey, Gut Healing for Beginners is now open!

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy:

1. Chronic Illness Root Cause Analysis
2. The Importance of Shifting from Stress to Happiness
3. Best Teas for Stress and Depression {11 Teas to Boost Mood}

Xox,
SKH