GI Distress, IBS, & IBD
GI Distress, IBS, & IBD
IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, Overweight
Thank you so much for all of your assistance with the LEAP program. The last 3 months have been life changing.
I have suffered from inflammation related issues (IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, joint pain, headaches, fatigue and difficulty losing weight) for years. Years of medical testing and taking countless medications had resulted in fleeting periods of relief and very little overall change. I was told by many doctors that I was perfectly healthy. I was left feeling depressed and helpless. After researching the impact of food sensitivities on thyroid functioning and hormones, I came across MRT testing and the LEAP protocol. Fortunately, I quickly found Sandra's information online. Desperate for the answers that I have been searching for over the past 20 years, I jumped at the chance to get started. After receiving my MRT test results I sat down with Sandra to review my beginning stages of the LEAP diet protocol. I was surprised to find that I had reacted mostly to food colorings and additives. I also had reacted to many foods that I had viewed as healthy (carrots, celery, beets, pineapple). Sandra helped me to go through the list of foods that I could eat during each stage of the plan. I was nervous and skeptical. Could I stick to this restricted list of "safe" foods? Would this really be any different than every other diet or supplements that I had tried?
The first couple of days were very tough. I was faced with temptations daily and planning for each meal was time consuming. Within a week, I started to notice improvements in my headaches and intestinal pain. In addition to the improvements in my health, I was losing weight. I could not believe that I was losing weight while still eating potatoes, milk and cheese. With each stage of the program I was able to add in more foods. My cravings for foods that I was not supposed to be eating dissipated. I suddenly had more energy than I have had in years. I stopped taking the daily antihistamine that I had been taking for years and I was shocked to see that my sinus issues did not return. Over the past 3 months I have seen my inflammation related symptoms almost completely disappear. Now, when I experience a headache, bloating or congestion, I can easily tie it to a new food in my diet or pinpoint the environmental factor (dust, stress) if I know that I have been sticking to my food plan. I have lost almost 15 pounds in 3 months. I consider the weight loss to be a bonus, with the improvements in my overall health and wellbeing being the ultimate prize. After only 3 months, I look at food in a completely new way. I am much more careful to avoid processed foods, I am more diligent about reading food labels, I realize that certain foods were putting too much strain on my immune system, and I now eat foods that help my body function at it best.
Thank you again for your guidance and for giving me to tools to enjoy my life again!
~B.D.
IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, Overweight
Thank you so much for all of your assistance with the LEAP program. The last 3 months have been life changing.
I have suffered from inflammation related issues (IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, joint pain, headaches, fatigue and difficulty losing weight) for years. Years of medical testing and taking countless medications had resulted in fleeting periods of relief and very little overall change. I was told by many doctors that I was perfectly healthy. I was left feeling depressed and helpless. After researching the impact of food sensitivities on thyroid functioning and hormones, I came across MRT testing and the LEAP protocol. Fortunately, I quickly found Sandra's information online. Desperate for the answers that I have been searching for over the past 20 years, I jumped at the chance to get started. After receiving my MRT test results I sat down with Sandra to review my beginning stages of the LEAP diet protocol. I was surprised to find that I had reacted mostly to food colorings and additives. I also had reacted to many foods that I had viewed as healthy (carrots, celery, beets, pineapple). Sandra helped me to go through the list of foods that I could eat during each stage of the plan. I was nervous and skeptical. Could I stick to this restricted list of "safe" foods? Would this really be any different than every other diet or supplements that I had tried?
The first couple of days were very tough. I was faced with temptations daily and planning for each meal was time consuming. Within a week, I started to notice improvements in my headaches and intestinal pain. In addition to the improvements in my health, I was losing weight. I could not believe that I was losing weight while still eating potatoes, milk and cheese. With each stage of the program I was able to add in more foods. My cravings for foods that I was not supposed to be eating dissipated. I suddenly had more energy than I have had in years. I stopped taking the daily antihistamine that I had been taking for years and I was shocked to see that my sinus issues did not return. Over the past 3 months I have seen my inflammation related symptoms almost completely disappear. Now, when I experience a headache, bloating or congestion, I can easily tie it to a new food in my diet or pinpoint the environmental factor (dust, stress) if I know that I have been sticking to my food plan. I have lost almost 15 pounds in 3 months. I consider the weight loss to be a bonus, with the improvements in my overall health and wellbeing being the ultimate prize. After only 3 months, I look at food in a completely new way. I am much more careful to avoid processed foods, I am more diligent about reading food labels, I realize that certain foods were putting too much strain on my immune system, and I now eat foods that help my body function at it best.
Thank you again for your guidance and for giving me to tools to enjoy my life again!
~B.D.
GI Distress, IBS, & IBD
GI Distress, IBS, & IBD
IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, Overweight
Thank you so much for all of your assistance with the LEAP program. The last 3 months have been life changing.
I have suffered from inflammation related issues (IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, joint pain, headaches, fatigue and difficulty losing weight) for years. Years of medical testing and taking countless medications had resulted in fleeting periods of relief and very little overall change. I was told by many doctors that I was perfectly healthy. I was left feeling depressed and helpless. After researching the impact of food sensitivities on thyroid functioning and hormones, I came across MRT testing and the LEAP protocol. Fortunately, I quickly found Sandra's information online. Desperate for the answers that I have been searching for over the past 20 years, I jumped at the chance to get started. After receiving my MRT test results I sat down with Sandra to review my beginning stages of the LEAP diet protocol. I was surprised to find that I had reacted mostly to food colorings and additives. I also had reacted to many foods that I had viewed as healthy (carrots, celery, beets, pineapple). Sandra helped me to go through the list of foods that I could eat during each stage of the plan. I was nervous and skeptical. Could I stick to this restricted list of "safe" foods? Would this really be any different than every other diet or supplements that I had tried?
The first couple of days were very tough. I was faced with temptations daily and planning for each meal was time consuming. Within a week, I started to notice improvements in my headaches and intestinal pain. In addition to the improvements in my health, I was losing weight. I could not believe that I was losing weight while still eating potatoes, milk and cheese. With each stage of the program I was able to add in more foods. My cravings for foods that I was not supposed to be eating dissipated. I suddenly had more energy than I have had in years. I stopped taking the daily antihistamine that I had been taking for years and I was shocked to see that my sinus issues did not return. Over the past 3 months I have seen my inflammation related symptoms almost completely disappear. Now, when I experience a headache, bloating or congestion, I can easily tie it to a new food in my diet or pinpoint the environmental factor (dust, stress) if I know that I have been sticking to my food plan. I have lost almost 15 pounds in 3 months. I consider the weight loss to be a bonus, with the improvements in my overall health and wellbeing being the ultimate prize. After only 3 months, I look at food in a completely new way. I am much more careful to avoid processed foods, I am more diligent about reading food labels, I realize that certain foods were putting too much strain on my immune system, and I now eat foods that help my body function at it best.
Thank you again for your guidance and for giving me to tools to enjoy my life again!
~B.D.
IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, Overweight
Thank you so much for all of your assistance with the LEAP program. The last 3 months have been life changing.
I have suffered from inflammation related issues (IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, joint pain, headaches, fatigue and difficulty losing weight) for years. Years of medical testing and taking countless medications had resulted in fleeting periods of relief and very little overall change. I was told by many doctors that I was perfectly healthy. I was left feeling depressed and helpless. After researching the impact of food sensitivities on thyroid functioning and hormones, I came across MRT testing and the LEAP protocol. Fortunately, I quickly found Sandra's information online. Desperate for the answers that I have been searching for over the past 20 years, I jumped at the chance to get started. After receiving my MRT test results I sat down with Sandra to review my beginning stages of the LEAP diet protocol. I was surprised to find that I had reacted mostly to food colorings and additives. I also had reacted to many foods that I had viewed as healthy (carrots, celery, beets, pineapple). Sandra helped me to go through the list of foods that I could eat during each stage of the plan. I was nervous and skeptical. Could I stick to this restricted list of "safe" foods? Would this really be any different than every other diet or supplements that I had tried?
The first couple of days were very tough. I was faced with temptations daily and planning for each meal was time consuming. Within a week, I started to notice improvements in my headaches and intestinal pain. In addition to the improvements in my health, I was losing weight. I could not believe that I was losing weight while still eating potatoes, milk and cheese. With each stage of the program I was able to add in more foods. My cravings for foods that I was not supposed to be eating dissipated. I suddenly had more energy than I have had in years. I stopped taking the daily antihistamine that I had been taking for years and I was shocked to see that my sinus issues did not return. Over the past 3 months I have seen my inflammation related symptoms almost completely disappear. Now, when I experience a headache, bloating or congestion, I can easily tie it to a new food in my diet or pinpoint the environmental factor (dust, stress) if I know that I have been sticking to my food plan. I have lost almost 15 pounds in 3 months. I consider the weight loss to be a bonus, with the improvements in my overall health and wellbeing being the ultimate prize. After only 3 months, I look at food in a completely new way. I am much more careful to avoid processed foods, I am more diligent about reading food labels, I realize that certain foods were putting too much strain on my immune system, and I now eat foods that help my body function at it best.
Thank you again for your guidance and for giving me to tools to enjoy my life again!
~B.D.
Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and Headaches
Migraines
I have been a migraine sufferer for almost 14 years now and they became progressively worse after the birth of my son in 2011. I knew that I did not want to take a daily prescription, but wanted to find a more natural solution to my problem. After meeting with Sandra and discovering my food sensitivities at the time, my migraines quickly faded and only came back if I got off track. It has been almost a year later since I started the diet and I am now able to eat almost all of the foods I was once sensitive to with no issues! Thanks so much Sandra for helping this girl get healthy and get her life back! I can now enjoy spending more time with my family!
-S.H.
Migraines
I have been a migraine sufferer for almost 14 years now and they became progressively worse after the birth of my son in 2011. I knew that I did not want to take a daily prescription, but wanted to find a more natural solution to my problem. After meeting with Sandra and discovering my food sensitivities at the time, my migraines quickly faded and only came back if I got off track. It has been almost a year later since I started the diet and I am now able to eat almost all of the foods I was once sensitive to with no issues! Thanks so much Sandra for helping this girl get healthy and get her life back! I can now enjoy spending more time with my family!
-S.H.
Migraines
I have been a migraine sufferer for almost 14 years now and they became progressively worse after the birth of my son in 2011. I knew that I did not want to take a daily prescription, but wanted to find a more natural solution to my problem. After meeting with Sandra and discovering my food sensitivities at the time, my migraines quickly faded and only came back if I got off track. It has been almost a year later since I started the diet and I am now able to eat almost all of the foods I was once sensitive to with no issues! Thanks so much Sandra for helping this girl get healthy and get her life back! I can now enjoy spending more time with my family!
-S.H.
Resilience is key anytime of year, but especially during the holiday season when we have lots to tackle and plenty of events to attend. You may not want to make big changes to your diet right now, but there's no time like the present to rethink your diet and lifestyle behaviors so you can feel your best and enjoy the activities you partake in. Even small changes can lead to an impactful transformation. Let's talk!
Sandra Meyerowitz, MPH, RD, LD, CLT
GI Distress, IBS, & IBD
IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, Overweight
Thank you so much for all of your assistance with the LEAP program. The last 3 months have been life changing.
I have suffered from inflammation related issues (IBS, Chronic Sinusitis, joint pain, headaches, fatigue and difficulty losing weight) for years. Years of medical testing and taking countless medications had resulted in fleeting periods of relief and very little overall change. I was told by many doctors that I was perfectly healthy. I was left feeling depressed and helpless. After researching the impact of food sensitivities on thyroid functioning and hormones, I came across MRT testing and the LEAP protocol. Fortunately, I quickly found Sandra's information online. Desperate for the answers that I have been searching for over the past 20 years, I jumped at the chance to get started. After receiving my MRT test results I sat down with Sandra to review my beginning stages of the LEAP diet protocol. I was surprised to find that I had reacted mostly to food colorings and additives. I also had reacted to many foods that I had viewed as healthy (carrots, celery, beets, pineapple). Sandra helped me to go through the list of foods that I could eat during each stage of the plan. I was nervous and skeptical. Could I stick to this restricted list of "safe" foods? Would this really be any different than every other diet or supplements that I had tried?
The first couple of days were very tough. I was faced with temptations daily and planning for each meal was time consuming. Within a week, I started to notice improvements in my headaches and intestinal pain. In addition to the improvements in my health, I was losing weight. I could not believe that I was losing weight while still eating potatoes, milk and cheese. With each stage of the program I was able to add in more foods. My cravings for foods that I was not supposed to be eating dissipated. I suddenly had more energy than I have had in years. I stopped taking the daily antihistamine that I had been taking for years and I was shocked to see that my sinus issues did not return. Over the past 3 months I have seen my inflammation related symptoms almost completely disappear. Now, when I experience a headache, bloating or congestion, I can easily tie it to a new food in my diet or pinpoint the environmental factor (dust, stress) if I know that I have been sticking to my food plan. I have lost almost 15 pounds in 3 months. I consider the weight loss to be a bonus, with the improvements in my overall health and wellbeing being the ultimate prize. After only 3 months, I look at food in a completely new way. I am much more careful to avoid processed foods, I am more diligent about reading food labels, I realize that certain foods were putting too much strain on my immune system, and I now eat foods that help my body function at it best.
Thank you again for your guidance and for giving me to tools to enjoy my life again!
~B.D.
Ulcerative Colitis and Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Sandra and Nutrition Works are life changing. My entire life I struggled with my health and weight. No matter what I did or what “diet” I was following I still felt sick. Stomach issues, low energy, body aches and headaches were normal for me. It got to the point where I thought, if I am going to feel like this no matter what I eat, then I am just going to eat whatever I want, at least it would taste good.
Flash forward to late 2016 and I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Eosinophilic Esophagitis. I knew something had to change. I decided I needed to see a nutritionist. But, I wasn’t sure who to see. It’s not something everyone does so finding recommendations is hard. I talked to my gastroenterologist and she told me about Sandra.
After meeting with Sandra, I knew the LEAP diet/program was going to be life changing, I just knew it. After completing the program, I can tell you my instincts were right. I don’t remember the last time I felt better. I don’t constantly feel sick and bloated, my body doesn’t hurt and I have more energy than I did before. I have the energy to exercise and do things with family and friends. I was even able to change the dosage of my medications as I didn’t require as much anymore.
All of this, just because I changed my diet. I changed my diet to fit my individual needs. I’ve realized there is no one size fits all solution for the issues I was having. Medication was just putting a Band-Aid on the issue and was not a solution.
I feel like I’ve got a new outlook on life. Perhaps even found a new passion. If you are having issues like I was, you will not regret having Sandra guide you and participating in the LEAP diet. It’s not easy, I won’t lie. But it’s so, so worth it. I cannot thank Sandra enough for all she has done for me and my life.
- K.G.
Lifelong GI Distress
The LEAP testing has changed my life. I have had digestive issues for 30+ years. I never knew what was going to upset my stomach and cause debilitating pain. The pain was becoming increasingly more difficult to manage. I was not able to enjoy my life because I did not feel comfortable being far from a bathroom. I would make excuses for not going out. I was also very embarrassed around new people because I did not know when I would need to rush out of the room to the bathroom. I realized that I was also having fatigue, headaches and muscle cramps that were hindering me in many ways. I was starting to get very depressed and cried a lot because I did not know what was wrong with me. I had been to many doctors over the years. They would give me a prescription and run tests, but it never seemed to fix the problem. I did not like the medicine because there was always a side effect that left me feeling worse making my symptoms more difficult to manage.
My husband encouraged me to find answers and not to give up! I found your website and read about the LEAP test. It looked like what I needed to get the answers I was seeking.
My life has changed dramatically since I have been able to target the foods that work for me. Just today I took a short road trip to Bardstown and there were no issues. Before this, I would have been scared about when my stomach would start to cramp. Instead, I was able to enjoy the day without any pain or emergency trips to the bathroom while I was shopping with my mom. What a relief!
I have not had to take medicine for headaches in several months. Before, I was taking up to 6 ibuprofen a day to manage the various pain that I was having. I can focus at work and home because I'm not distracted by the pain, fatigue or depression. I also no longer feel anxious about going to the grocery because I know what I can buy to make meals that will satisfy me without the fear of pain after I eat it.
I am so thankful for the LEAP test and your gentle guidance during this process. I truly feel blessed to have found your website. Yu were an answer to many prayers over the years.
- B.C.
IBS
I started suffering from IBS about 1968. I would have episodes off and on and with medical help learned to pretty much get it under control. Then came 1999. I thought I was just having one of my usual episodes and started my normal routine to gain control. No Luck. I went to the doctor and had numerous tests and tried all available medications (some experimental) and nutritional supplements, nothing worked. I was in excruciating pain having intestinal cramps, violent spasms and was exhausted never being able to gain control. My intestines were so tender the doctor could not touch my abdomen during examination without severe pain. Then 12 years later, I heard about you and the LEAP program. I have been on the program for only 3 months and no longer have the cramping and severe pain. My energy level has increased and I have lost 25 pounds. I believe most of my weight loss is do to the reduction of body fluids from inflammation throughout my body. Thank you for introducing me to LEAP and getting me on the right course to leading a better quality of life.
- T.E.
IBS and Hashimoto's
I have suffered from IBS and Hashimoto’s disease for 8 years. It made day-to-day activities incredibly difficult and it affected my physical and emotional wellbeing. I was no longer able to participate in social engagements, physical activity, and even simple chores around the house. I had tried cutting out spicy foods and dairy products, all the while taking too many medications for my symptoms. I was still experiencing the IBS symptoms and although I was on medication for Hashimoto’s, the symptoms were more severe than ever. Since working with Sandra and the LEAP program I have more energy, a better attitude towards life, and I no longer take the amount of medications I once did. I highly recommend Nutrition Works and the LEAP program for anyone suffering from IBS or Hashimoto’s disease.
- M.U.
IBS
I used to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for 8 years and it has greatly affected my life. I was constantly tired and suffered frequent stomach pains, gas, and diarrhea. I missed lots of school and even would hold back on my social life due to the embarrassment and physical pain I was in. The diagnosis of IBS is one of exclusion. I had been tested for everything under the sun and when the doctors did not find anything, they just gave me the diagnosis of IBS and sent me on my way. I tried eliminating certain foods, but really struggled with sticking to a plan and being able to pinpoint specific triggers. Since working with Sandra and the LEAP Program I have experienced many positive effects. We were able to measure my sensitivity levels to numerous foods and additives. Sandra then helped me to formulate a regimented dietary schedule and come up with menu ideas. Throughout the program I was more in tune with my body and the various effects of certain foods. I now have very few IBS flair-up days thanks to Sandra's help working through the program. I highly recommend Nutrition Works and the LEAP program for anyone suffering from IBS!
- S.S.
GI Distress
I had stomach/GI problems for over a year after a visit to a Caribbean island. After numerous tests and exams to find out what was going on (all of which were inconclusive) my doctor suggested I might try Nutrition Works. I met Sandra and had a LEAP test done which indicated my immune system was reacting to some of the foods I ate on a regular basis. Sandra helped me change my eating habits and over time my symptoms have improved. I’m still working on identifying which foods work well for me and am encouraged by the progress I’ve made. I now eat healthier and smarter thanks to Nutrition Works.
-R.B.
GI Distress
I have struggled with stomach problems for as long as I can remember. As years went on, I began having other health issues as well. I would have at least 3 severe headaches a week, body aches and muscle cramps, sinus congestion and pressure, and trouble sleeping. My weight would fluctuate so frequently it was frustrating. I spent so much money doing the usual "medical" tests doctors recommend. I was on at least 12 pills a day just to try to manage my stomach symptoms. Needless to say, I was frustrated with little to no relief. I spent most of my time not feeling well and worrying. That's until I found Sandra and the LEAP program! I met with Sandra, and we decided this was the right plan for me. It has been the best decision I've ever made for my health! Not only am I nearly symptom-free, but I am so much healthier! I learned so much about food and nutrition, along with ways to listen to my body. It has been a blessing to work with Sandra through the LEAP program. I am 25 pounds lighter, living life more abundantly, and so happy I found the source of my symptoms!
-M.W.
GI Distress
About 2 weeks after I began the LEAP program, I noticed that I was no longer experiencing the severe gastrointestinal distress I suffered from most of my life. It was unbelievable how simply avoiding foods that my body was sensitive to impacted my life! I have struggled my entire life with these symptoms and it only took 2 weeks for them to be dramatically reduced.
-Tammy H.
Escalating IBS Sydrome
When I first met with Sandra Meyerowitz in August, 2014, I was close to the end of my “health rope”. I had tried everything recommended over a ten year period and my IBS-like symptoms had escalated to the point where acute diarrhea had curtailed my social life, I had to plan trips to the grocery carefully, and I was glad that there was a bathroom in my classroom. I had removed gluten, dairy, and soy from my diet. While each change brought some relief, the old symptoms would return with a vengeance. I went to internists, gastroenterologists, had tests for celiac disease, IBS, and parasites. All came back negative. I had tried the FODMAP diet, gluten challenge, and Levsin. There was no relief. My last gastroenterologist insisted that I had IBS and wanted to prescribe Lotronex. That’s when I drew the line and asked my current internist if she thought the Mayo Clinic could help me. She said “I know someone who works with people who have your symptoms.” Those proved to be MAGIC WORDS that changed my life for the better.
That “someone” was Sandra Meyerowitz, MPH, RD, LD, CLT. She listened, evaluated and suggested that I try the LEAP program under her guidance. I strictly adhered to the dietary guidelines based on the results of a blood test to assess food reactions. After three months with no cheating, I got my life back. By following the elimination diet methodically, reintroducing specific foods in order, and meeting with Ms. Meyerowitz every few weeks to assess progress, I got the results that had eluded me for over ten years.
I no longer have to worry about how far away I am from a restroom. I have a social life again. My husband says he’s “glad to have (me) back.” Thanks to Sandra, I found a natural way to regain and maintain good health. I am forever grateful.
-C.A
Healing GI Through Nutrition
When I first met with Sandra, my digestive system was so out of sorts that there were days that it was painful to even drink water. Even though I did not complete the LEAP program by-the-books, the information and insight Sandra provided helped me get back on the right track. More importantly, as I began to put better nutrition principles into practice, I found hope. It has been a long road, and I have a long way to go. However, I have come a long way as well. I have tried different foods and ways of eating and with Sandra's help found some things that work and some things that don't. Nutrition is a daily practice for me. It isn't easy. I had to face the fact that I am a caffeine addict and lactose intolerant. It was difficult letting go of my attachments to those foods. Once I got over that hump, however, I realized that I can heal myself through nutrition!
-S.C.
Surgeon Recommends Nutrition Works for IBS Colitis
Being in my late 50's and diagnosed with IBS colitis, my surgeon referred me to Sandra with Nutrition Works who introduced me to the LEAP program. At this age having to totally change your diet wasn't easy and on my 10th day into my new LEAP phase 1 menu, I almost gave in. Now I'm proud to say in my 4th month I graduated and feel so much better. Autoimmune and inflammatory issues are now part of my past and my future brings healthy eating, not only for me, but also my husband who's diabetes A1C dropped .6 points to 6.9. I am so thankful I made it through that 10th day and for Sandra encouraging me all the way. I have also discovered that one of my other worst enemies, RAGWEED, is much improved as well - which was a wonderful surprise! This is one of the BEST things I have done for myself and if you are on the fence about taking this life-changing step- just do it! One step, one phase at a time --- Patience is needed and well rewarded.
-R.M
No Longer Feeling Awful After Eating
I am happy to report that I feel like a million bucks! Since our last meeting I reintroduced the remaining foods on my list. Namely peanuts and dairy which I would have sworn were culprits before I started this process. But in the end egg yolks are my food sensitivity, or nemesis, as I look at it. It has all come clear that the foods I thought I couldn’t eat were actually the cover for the underlying issue with egg yolks. Without your help I would have never figured this out. Thank you so much. I feel the best I have in years. The freedom to cook, and bake (albeit yolk free), and eat what I want without the fear of feeling awful is the best. If you would send my doctor a note letting him know how much your testing and guidance has helped, I would appreciate it. Thank you again!
-S.M.
IBS, Diverticulitis, GERD, Fatigue
Sandra, Thank you so much for all of your help and guidance in putting my life back together. The MRT testing and LEAP protocol have changed my life in a good, no great way. Before I started, I was desperate and that is not an exaggeration. I had gained a ton of weight, felt terrible and spent what seems like half my life in the bathroom. I suffered from IBS, diverticulitis, GERD, a hiatal hernia and constant fatigue. With all of that misery, it's no surprise that depression was nipping at my heels. I worked out 3 - 4 days a week with a personal trainer and got 3-4 days in of good cardio but the scale wouldn't budge. I consulted doctors in both western medicine and eastern medicine including specialists. I even consulted another dietitian. It's probably no surprise that the doctors wanted to write prescriptions. I read books, I watched documentaries, I consulted friends, I joined an on-line message board. No results, none, nada, zip. Then through an odd set of circumstances I discovered you and your program.
Make no mistake, the first week was extremely difficult. The moon and stars lined up to test me severely. I had just gotten diagnosed with anemia, I had also just returned from a European trip and was suffering jet lag and of course the no caffeine during the first few weeks about did me in. The fatigue was crushing. However, because I was desperate and already seeing results, I gutted it out (no pun intended). I am now in month 4 and have only had diarrhea 5 times. Each occasion was when I was adding something back in. Compared to 15-20 episodes daily this seems like a miracle. I have more energy and I have lost 18 pounds so far. There are things I miss, sure, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives. For most things I miss, I have gotten creative and come up with good substitutes. Last week I made roast duck with blueberry sauce and it was delicious. I have also made millet cakes, dairy free biscuits and pie crust, roasted chicken with pistachios and coconut with coconut glaze, coconut shrimp, lamb shanks, crab cakes and veal osso bucco to name a few things. It has all gotten a lot easier and I plan on staying very close to my current eating program.
For anyone suffering gut issues, I encourage them try the MRT testing and LEAP protocol. I only wish I had discovered this many years and pounds ago.
~C.C.
Stomach Pain
I have experienced stomach problems for most of my life and never did much to help it besides being cautious with eating certain foods, and even wasn’t the most successful with that. It finally got to a point where I decided I couldn’t live the rest of my life with that kind of pain and cramping keeping me up all night and having to call into work the next day. I decided to go to my PCP and had some blood work done, which all came back as normal or inconclusive, so my next stop was to see a gastroenterologist. The doctor I saw didn’t run any tests, he just decided he was going to treat me for IBS and prescribed me a pill to take that would act as a “reset button” and after a few weeks I would feel back to “normal”. After taking that pill, I was feeling worse than I had before and found myself having to run to the bathroom often and for long periods of time. I did some research and decided it might be helpful to try seeing a nutritionist. I looked up nutritionists in Louisville and thought Sandra was the best person who would be able to help me. Going through the LEAP Program has been so eye-opening and life changing. I learned the foods I am sensitive to, some I never would have thought about, and I have become so aware of the things I eat. After going through this program my symptoms have greatly decreased, I am down 15 pounds, and I have loved learning how to manage my symptoms with food rather than medications. I highly recommend Nutrition Works to anyone suffering from any GI inflammation issues.
-L.C.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), Arthritis, Insomnia
It had been 1 year since I received my SIBO diagnosis (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). I’d taken round after round of antibiotics that were so strong and expensive that they came from a private pharmacy. I swear that I could buy stock in the amount of stomach meds I had purchased. Random diet changes did not make much of a difference, and yoga did at first but the SIBO symptoms continued to worsen. My doctor highly recommended that I do a food sensitivity test.
I started my LEAP diet to reduce symptoms caused by diet-induced inflammation. I slowly kept adding more and more food back into my diet and my health got better. After working with Sandra for 3 months my bloating and gas-gone, arthritis pain in my thumbs-gone, sinus inflammation and drainage-gone, insomnia and other sleep issues-gone and I have lost 17 pounds without changing my exercise routine (4 hot yoga classes per week).
I am beyond thrilled that I finally decided to commit to this process and to trust Sandra’s expert guidance. I highly recommend her services!
-K.C.