Recently, I attended the Gut Stuff’s Old Street pop-up and began my journey into understanding more about gut health. For me, I was naive and unaware of the science and workings of the gut. This pop-up, with its guest lecturers and product contributors, was the perfect bite-sized introduction to all things gut related. So, when I heard that the Mac Twins were hosting another event, The Gut Stuff Tackles IBS, with guest nutritionists, doctors, dieticians and IBS sufferers, I immediately signed up.
The Gut Stuff’s Lisa, with the panel of speakers; Kimberly Wilson, Eve Kalinik, Laura Tilt, Maeve Madden and Dr. Dawn Harper.
As I arrived at the The Candid Arts Trust for ‘The Gut Stuff Tackles IBS’ event, the room was buzzing with energy and enthusiastic conversation. I was greeted with a pretty pink gin cocktail mixed with Remedy kombucha. As kombucha is packed with healthy bacteria that is essential for gut health, my delicious drink was guilt free… yes! Social Pantry were on hand to fill our tummies with delicious treats that were healthy and beautifully presented. I especially enjoyed the mini chocolate brownie; how could I resist! 😛 Plus, as the evening was powered by Symprove, I got to chat to the team behind this awesome supplement that is jam packed with essential bacteria.
My Remedy kombucha and Chase gin cocktail, yum!
Taking our seats, Lisa Macfarlane introduced us to the panel of speakers who each spoke openly, sincerely and with passion for gut health and education.
- Kimberly Wilson – a chartered psychologist, food writer, presenter and ‘Bake Off’ finalist to boot… she discussed the relationship between the gut and the mind. She also spoke about how stress can have a real impact on your gut health. Kimberly was friendly and approachable; she is clearly passionate and cares about her clients.
“Your gut talks to your mind and your mind talks to your gut.”
“If you’re in a state of chronic stress and you have elevated stress hormones then you are in a state of chronic inflammation and that can do a lot of dysregulatory stuff to your gut brain and your stress hormones.”
Kimberly Wilson’s website – https://www.kimberleywilson.co
- Eve Kalinik – a nutritionist, who also holds a degree in Psychology, Eve spoke about your relationship with food. She believes in a healthy approach to eating and completely rebukes fad diets. Eve recently published her book Be Good To Your Gut.
“Chew your food and eat without distraction…” Put down your phone and engage with your food.
“Eat whatever you want and actually sit there and enjoy it…” when asked what to eat when out with friends.
Eve Kalinik’s website – https://www.evekalinik.com
- Laura Tilt – a dietitian, nutrition consultant and writer. Laura freely shares useful tips and advice on her website. She specialises in weightless, digestive health, IBS and sports nutrition. Her passion is to help you understand the relationship between food and your wellbeing.
“I’m passionate about helping you understand the relationship between what goes on your plate and what happens in your body.”
The Happy Gut Guide “…includes mindset, movement and meals, with clear and accessible advice.” Discussing her new project with Madeleine Shaw, Happy Gut Guide, launching early January.
Laura Tilt’s website – http://www.tiltnutrition.com
- Maeve Madden – Model, actress, personal trainer, IBS sufferer and author of ‘Beat Your Bloat’. Maeve spoke openly about her experiences with IBS and how she now confronts them head on, rather than be embarrassed. She has her own blog, in which the shares tips and advice, and stories about her IBS.
“Be happy, be healthy, be active, be the best version of you.”
“Our gut effects not only our digestion, but our skin, mood, sleep patterns, immunity etc (boom)…”
Maeve Madden’s website – http://maevemadden.com
- Dr. Dawn Harper – NHS doctor, presenter, writer and author of several books including, ‘Live Well To 101’. Dawn spoke about gut health, diet and the need to speak with the right person, if you suffer from IBS.
“It may surprise you to learn that there are around 2 kilos of good bacteria living in our gut which help digest our food.”
Dr. Dawn Harper’s Top Tips To Take Away…
- Keep a food diary (include your poop movements too!) You can take this to your doctor, nutritionist, dietitian and have them look at it for a more accurate and informed insight into your gut health.
- Take a supplement, such as Symprove, to furnish your gut with essential bacteria for gut health.
- If you need to see a GP to talk to about IBS, don’t be shy to ask the receptionist who the best GP is in your practice.
- Ensure you are being listened to. You are an individual – each IBS sufferer is different as are their symptoms. (such as constipation or diarrhoea.)
Dr. Dawn Harper’s website – https://drdawn.com
Dr. Dawn Harper and me.
Find Out More:
The Gut Stuff Tackles IBS (round 2) was an event hosted by the MacTwins from The Gut Stuff. If you missed this event and want to find out more, their website is packed full of information about Gut Health. Plus, they have useful bite-sized videos explaining gut health.
They documented their own personal journey being Guinea pigs for Tim Spector at TwinsUK research at King’s College London… “…where they discovered that despite having 100% the same DNA their guts have only 40% the same microbiota, which could explain why their bodies behave so differently. Thus their ‘gut journey’ began!…” Check out their website – https://thegutstuff.com
My awesome goodie bag, thank you!
*Health Advice: It is wise to consult with your doctor if you are considering changing your diet.
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