Gut Health, Hormonal Birth Control, and Holistic Healing With Rachel Scheer

In this episode of the Grow or Die podcast, host Justin Mihaly sits down with Rachel Scheer to delve into her remarkable journey of overcoming severe gut health issues through functional medicine. This episode provides a profound exploration of the impact of stress on the body, the pitfalls of traditional medical approaches, and the holistic path to achieving optimal health.

Rachel Scheer’s Health Struggles and Turning Point

Rachel begins by sharing her intense journey with severe gastrointestinal issues. Despite not having conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, she faced debilitating symptoms that led doctors to consider removing her entire large intestine. Diagnosed with IBS, which she describes as a "trash can diagnosis," Rachel recounts how her health issues escalated as she delved deeper into physical fitness and bodybuilding​​.

Despite appearing to be the epitome of health—lean and fit with a successful fitness modeling career—Rachel’s gut issues worsened. She experienced severe bloating, anxiety, depression, and was passed around from doctor to doctor without finding a solution. This included numerous tests and being prescribed various medications like thyroid medication, prescription laxatives, and antidepressants​​.

The Limitations of Traditional Medicine

Rachel’s frustration grew as traditional medical approaches failed to address the root cause of her health issues. After spending thousands of dollars and even visiting the Mayo Clinic, she found no relief. The turning point came when a colorectal surgeon suggested removing her large intestine to resolve her motility issues. Desperate for a solution, Rachel almost agreed to the surgery but decided to give her healing journey one more chance​​.

Discovering Functional Medicine

Determined to find the root cause of her health problems, Rachel immersed herself in learning about gut health and functional medicine. She discovered that her issues stemmed from dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, and began focusing on healing protocols that addressed these underlying problems. This approach involved not just treating the symptoms but understanding and rectifying the root causes of her health issues​​.

The Importance of Gut Health

Rachel emphasizes the critical role of gut health in overall well-being. She explains how gut dysbiosis can lead to numerous health issues, including thyroid problems, mental health disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Her journey in functional medicine revealed the interconnectedness of the gut with other bodily functions and highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to health​​.

The Holistic Healing Process

Through functional medicine, Rachel adopted a comprehensive approach to healing, which included:

• Healing the Gut: Addressing bacterial imbalances and leaky gut through specific dietary protocols and gut-healing supplements.

• Nutrient Replenishment: Replenishing the body with key micronutrients depleted by chronic illness and stress.

• Stress Management: Recognizing the profound impact of stress on gut health and incorporating stress-reduction techniques like somatic breathwork into her routine.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Making significant lifestyle changes to support overall health and well-being, such as focusing on sleep, hydration, and balanced nutrition​​.

Overcoming Hormonal Imbalances

Rachel also touches on the challenges of coming off hormonal birth control, which many women use to manage symptoms without understanding the long-term impact on their bodies. She discusses how birth control can lead to hormonal imbalances, increased cortisol levels, and a myriad of other health issues. Rachel shares her own experience of dealing with post-birth control syndrome and the steps she took to restore her hormonal balance through functional medicine​​.

Practical Health Insights

Justin and Rachel provide listeners with practical insights into improving their health, emphasizing the importance of a personalized approach. Key takeaways include:

• Comprehensive Testing: Utilizing functional medicine tests to get a detailed understanding of the body’s imbalances.

• Individualized Protocols: Tailoring healing protocols to address specific issues such as gut dysbiosis, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies.

• Holistic Approach: Considering the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in the healing process.

Conclusion

Rachel Scheer’s journey from debilitating gut issues to vibrant health through functional medicine is both inspiring and informative. Her story underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of health problems rather than just treating symptoms. By embracing a holistic, personalized approach to health, individuals can achieve profound and lasting improvements in their well-being.

Tune in to the full episode of the Grow or Die podcast to hear more about Rachel Scheer’s transformative journey and gain valuable insights into functional medicine and holistic health.