Monday, December 27, 2010

Year of Health & Healing

Well we did it. It’s over, Christmas that is. But there is still that little part of the Holiday Marathon left. That little 0.2 extra of those 26 mile. And you know what? It comes out of NO WHERE! It’s called NEW YEARS! Four days until 2010 is officially said and done. WOWZERS! I know a lot of people are already looking at what they can “fix” in 2011 but lets not dwell on that just yet. Lets look back on 2010…………………….

To me, 2010 was a big year of HEALTH improvements. Not like the “eating better,” yada yada yada. It was how can my body restore itself and find nourishment at its fullest?!

About 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with a horrible digestive disorder (hence the gluten free diet). I would get sick about 1-2x a month and not keep anything down. Several doctors looked at me, ran tests, etc. I was a walking petri dish. Literally, that was my nick name by some! I finally decided to go to a Holistic Doctor which helped me see how my body was “off balance.” She opened my eyes to a lot of different allergies that may be causing my digestive problems.  I’m not saying that she “cured” me, but instead enlightened me with a different health approach. I started making a lot of my own foods, cut out any processed ingredients, and really tried to focus on REAL food! The food God gave us. Oils, organic meats/eggs, fish, nuts, full fat dairy, etc. This helped me a TON! Probiotics helped restore my gut (hence the kombucha love!!). Since I still was not able to eat a whole lot of dairy, I stuck with Kombucha, 1-2 bottles a day. Yes, I know it can be expensive at times, but it was way better than paying for meds at a pharmacy!

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GT Kombucha worked wonders, and still does. In fact, I was so inspired by this company and its health drink that I started making my own COTTER Kombucha. Remember that post? The tutorial is here!
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Going through the Kombucha making process expanded my knowledge of the health benefits for this great drink. Hold your breath, here’s my list for you. Source: GT Kombucha
  • Kombucha culture has a wide range of organic acids, probiotics, and enzymes that give it its extraordinary properties. Here’s a brief look at the benefits of each:
    Beneficial Probiotics - Due to the prolific presence of pesticides, antibiotics, and preservatives in our environments, the beneficial micro-organisms present in our bodies are destroyed and killed off on a regular basis. These friendly microbes play a huge role in our digestive and immune systems. Therefore, it is crucial that they are replenished from natural sources like kefir, yogurt, and Kombucha. Our beverages contain Lactobacillus Bacterium and S. Boulardii, which can help ease digestion and purify the system.
    • Live Active Enzymes - Active Enzymes are generally only found in foods that have not been cooked, processed, or refined. They are like the "spark plugs" for the body's cells because they put "life" back in our bodies. If you think about it, the body is a living thing; why would you feed it something that is dead?
    • Polyphenols - These are antioxidants that shield the body from health and youth compromising free-radicals.
    • Organic Acids - These nutrients can assist in promoting balance and harmony.
      • Lactic acid helps maintain healthy digestive action (through the probiotic lactobacilli) and for energy production by the liver
      • Acetic acid is an antiseptic and inhibitor of pathogenic bacteria.
      • Glucuronic acid, normally produced by a healthy liver, is a powerful detoxifier and can readily be converted into glucosamines, the foundation of our skeletal system.
      • Usnic acid has selective antibiotic qualities which can partly deactivate viruses.
      • Oxalic acid encourages the intercellular production of energy, and is a preservative.
      • Malic acid also helps the liver to detoxify.
      • Butyric acid protects human cellular membranes, and combined with Gluconic acid strengthens the walls of the stomach and digestive tract in order to combat yeast infections such as Candida.
      • Nucleic acids, like RNA and DNA, transmit information to the cells on how to perform correctly and regenerate.
See……NOURISHMENT!

Moral of the story here folks is that I’ve come a long way these past few years. Haven’t had any “episodes” since. I give a lot of credit to my Kombucha addiction, right hubs? hehe. And I want to share that with you!

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Yep, I got the golden ticket(s) for one free bottle of GT Kombucha. I will give these away to 3 lucky winners. All you have to do is…..
  1. Tell me how your health has turned around this past year, if any?
  2. Like GT Kombucha on Facebook- leave them a kind note too!
  3. Tweet about this and follow @GTsKombucha.
  4. Tell me your thoughts about kombucha. Check out GT’s website and explore it to find out more!
I’ll randomly select the winners New Years day! Starting the year off right!

Before I go, I must say that everyone’s definition of health is different. What works for me, might now work for someone else. I will continue to strive towards nourishing my body this next year, getting it back to 100%. I will enjoy the richness of food and the people who I am sharing it with!

I am thankful for a God that heals us in his own way. Open your eyes to what he gives you!
Cheers,
LC

p.s.
Its recipe time and I’ve got some coming up this week. They kinda look like this!

DSCF0540

89 comments:

VeggieGirl said...

I have Crohn's Disease, so I can related with the journey to better health and healing. Here's to us continuing to feel better! :)

bamarunner11 said...

You know I LOVE kombucha! I drink one everyday!

bamarunner11 said...

Liked on facebook!

bamarunner11 said...

Followed on twitter!

bamarunner11 said...

My year has turned around this year because I started eating REAL food. Remember my food philosophy post? Yeah, that happened this year ;)

April said...

Did the holistic doctor run allergy/intolerance tests on you? I've got all the IgE and IgG allergy tests ran and all negative but yet I'm still struggling!

For me this year I've learned how to fuel my body properly with enough nutrients and calories, and cut back on exercise and I'm the healthiest I've ever been!

Dorry said...

love this post, Linds! I just tried Kombucha for the first time this year and I love it. This year, I broke into my love for running and ran my first race and I focused more on Nutrition, cooking and what I choose to eat everyday...experimenting with what works for me! :)

Christin@purplebirdblog said...

I realized my cow's milk intolerance this year and have found a lot of health and comfort in weeding that out (for the most part). Also finding yoga has done wonders for my body and my joints!

Christin@purplebirdblog said...

Oh, and I like them on Facebook already. :)

mamarunsbarefoot said...

I have never heard of Kombucha, I would love to try it though. I am always moving towards healthier living. I make most of the food we eat from scratch. I would love to get a bread and pasta maker and do that homemade too.

Heather @ Where's the Beach said...

I have yet to try kombucha. I am wondering if my sister shouldn't try it. She is still having some stomach problems, though GF is definitely helping. Thanks for sharing your story by the way. I know that over the year, I have simply tried to continue to eat cleaner, tried to cut out more processed foods, and find the right food combos that help fuel my body.

Jess said...

Fabulous post! I'm so glad you've found what helps your stomach/digestive issues. REAL food is the way to go!

She Rocks Fitness said...

As my mom said this holiday season, there is nothing more important than family and health! Which I feel is so TRUE! Learning about your own health and what makes you feel your best is such a great accomplishment, because when you feel that, life is pretty darn good! Glad you are doing so well with your health and here is to a Happy and Healthy New Year! XOXO

Katie said...

I've discovered so much about my body in this past year. Sort of like you (and with help from you!). I also have become healthier in the mind and body. I am not trying to restrict myself any longer, and I am finding what works best with my body and what doesn't. I know that health is a lifelong journey, but I am glad that I have found the right path. :)

Kathrynchloe909 said...

How has my health changed? I took traithlon training/Ironman training to the next level. And I found out that the better you eat = the better your body will work. And the better your body works = the better your train :) Ahhh..I love feeling good!

thefitnessfreak said...

Oooh, G.T.'s Kombucha!! I just liked them on facebook : )

Katie said...

I liked them on Facebook!

thefitnessfreak said...

Well, I wish I could say it was all good this year for my health but my thyroid is acting up again. I know what you mean feeling like a petri dish, my body is the source of much testing. I am still fighting this disease but it gets discouraging sometimes when you don't see a change. I am a few months from my 2 year anniversary of being a High Raw Vegan and that I am proud of : ) Onward and upward!

Nicole

thefitnessfreak said...

I just Bookieboo'd and tweeted about it!

Katie said...

I looked at the website, and I see some flavors that I am interested in trying. I've only tried the Mystic Mango, but these look good: Strawberry Serenity, Guava Goddess, Trilogy, and Cosmic Cranberry.

thefitnessfreak said...

I love GT's Kombucha! I went on a 3-day Fitness weekend with 8 bottles of Kombucha to get me through. I felt SO good that weekend and have been drinking ever since. I just started making it at home and have my first batch fermenting away on the counter. I can't wait to see what it tastes like!

Nicole

thefitnessfreak said...

And I can't wait for the sweet potato muffin recipe!!

Healthy Chocoholic said...

Yum! Can't wait for the recipe!!!! It looks like you had an educational, life-changing year! =D Mine has been one of spiritual and emotional growth!

Cara Craves... said...

I have yet to try this magical Kombucha!
I was just looking at their website and it sounds pretty cool.
I think I could give the mango on a go...I am very intrigued.
I will have to find a bottle when I am back on home soil.

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

I am so glad you are feeling better! That is the most important part. We have made a lot of great health changes here. My husband is so much better now that he is off gluten (he has celiac) and he has started working out with me! I have never tried Kombucha before, but am so curious...and a little scared. Great giveaway!

janetha said...

i love kombucha! GTs is a great company, i've done a giveaway for them before.. fun to work with! i am so glad you know more about what your bod needs to feel normal.

this year i have not had a single sip of soda. not one.

hungryrunnergirl said...

You are adorable!! I love reading about how you have improved your health and learned so much about what your body needs. You are an inspiration to me and I look up to your self-discipline:) What a fun giveaway! I liked them on facebook. My health has turned around this year because I am learning how truly accept myself.....I have worked on my mental health big time! LOVE the coupon picture!!!

Geek Turned Athlete said...

Like you, I went GF this year. It changed everything for the better though. A lot less packaged foods not only saved us money with our grocery bills, but made my stomach feel so much better.

AM-Goalsfortheweek said...

You've been my inspiration for wanting to try Kombucha;-) I feel SO in the know when ps talk about it. I just ramble off on what you've shared about it, and go as far saying 'oh yeah..I have a friend who made her own;-)'

So while I've never had digestive problems (fingers crossed) I want to try it out for 2011. On my list girl!;-)

Jess said...

Thanks for asking--my Christmas was great! Glad yours was as well! :)

Lindsay said...

My healthy has turned around 360 degrees. Last christmas, I was still struggling with my eating disorder. I couldnt enjoy the christmas foods and I feared every item I put into my mouth. This christmas, I enjoy every christmas food I feared last year and I had the best day with my family!! :)

Kristina @ spabettie said...

I went gluten free this year, and recommitted to a mostly anti inflammatory diet. I've been eating this way on and off for a few years, and I focused on it again this year. I also used an amazing (naturopath guided) amino acid protocol earlier this year, and it was fantastic.

I would love Love LOVE these coupons... we love kombucha, and even though we are experienced beer brewers, Jason and I are afraid to brew our own 'buch. ;)

Kissmybroccoli said...

I think in the past year, I've had more mental health improvement than anything. I finally started living for me and discovering what it is I am passionate about. I've also learned to listen to my body more and become more "aware" of myself. Still a work in progress, but definitely an improvement from the past.

I love all the natural ingredients and health benefits of kombucha, though I've only tried it twice. I had the Multi-green (not so much) and the Trilogy (interesting). I think I'm still warming up to it a bit. I have another bottle in the fridge to try out, the Mystic Mango, and I think I may like that one more since it has the added fruit juice.

Rebecca Lustig said...

for the first time, i've take my health into my own hands. i feel strong, empowered, motivated, scared and hopeful. i feel ALIVE.

you're just so lovely of a person/couple. wishing you the happiest of new years!

ERG said...

Lindsay- I am so glad you figured out what works for your system. That sounds like a miserable episode!!

I didn't realize kombucha was a probiotic drink. I love yogurt and should eat more!

Thanks for your wisdom on nutrition. I love learning your new stuff!

Also thanks for your comment on the training program. I am going to be mostly running 6 days, but i did 4 a week for my last marathon and it worked well for me then. I dodn't do nearly the amount of XT that you do. Keep up the hard work!! You 're inspiring :)

Maggs said...

You know I love the stuff! Even though I make my own, I haven't quite perfected it so from time to time I still buy some. Going GF has made a huge difference in my digestive problems when I run. I'm not 100% except when I'm training hard and I can always tell when i eat some. Thanks for all the recipes you post. Love them all.

Stephen Kilbourn said...

yum. those are golden tickets. i didn't quite start making my own K during Kombucha-gate, but I did stock up as soon as it reappeared. I'm follwing on FB & twtter now.

ps. anxious to see what kind of icing is on your recipe.

Lori said...

I heart Kombucha! I love the Gingerberry and Gingerade flavored ones. :)

Lori said...

This past year I have learned to embrace what my body can do instead of what I think it can't- because it really can do anything I try for- including lifting heavy weights! :)

Katie Powers said...

Every year I feel like I am discovering more and more about healthy eating & living and it never ceases to excite and interest me. I have been drinking GT's Kombucha for about one year now..I love the way it gives me energy, helps balance my digestive system & appetite, along with the quieter benefits I don't necessarily notice everyday...it's just nice to know about all of those good things it is doing for your body. : )
I use to get sinus infections several times a year but over the past two years I started paying attention to what dairy I was ingesting--I stopped drinking cows milk and replaced it with soy & rice milk; started eating plain Greek yogurt with berries instead of certain artificial & sweetened yogurts out there; I have also cut out A LOT of sugar over time--I use to get mochas now I get soy lattes or tea; started using a neti pot... It has been small steps like these that have made the biggest difference for me on my journey to better health--I have not had a sinus infection since 2007!
In 2011 I want to continue investigating healthy eating but also start investing & committing to strengthening my body with regular exercise. I once did yoga 2-4 times a week in addition to running and weights but now only practice once a week with hardly any other physical activity. I have a long term goal of running a marathon but I have fallen away from a good routine and I know I need to build back up to that goal but when use to run my diet was no where near as healthy as it is now...I am excited to start this challenge with my "new body". Whenever I feel myself slipping or have been a little lax in my eating habits, I feel like Kombucha brings me back by helping to heal my body and push me in the right direction : )

katie said...

WOW this was a cool post!!!! My health has changed a lot over the past year! From switching to cardio to weights, I feel soo much healthier and have more energy. its really given me SO much peace about working out!

Salah said...

I love this post!!! I've been wanting to try the Kombucha more often! I know it makes me feel great the few times I have drank it! Maybe I'll try your recipe :-) Thanks for sharing!!

Tina said...

What an amazing story! So glad to hear your found what works best for you and your body!! :) I too am a Kombucha lover. The cranberry flavor is my favorite! I think that working as a health coach and seeing how I have helped others to improve their overall health has been so rewarding and I can only hope to continue to do so.

Lisa said...

I've made many health improvements including starting on recovery from an eating disorder and a lot of damage that was done to my body from a gluten intolerance as well! great post!

Suzanne said...

Thanks for turning me on to this crazy Kumbucha stuff! I'm learning a lot from you Lindsay!

Erika Sperl-Imhoff said...

Yowza is right... it feels like this year's end came out of no where!!

Entry #1 - My health took a BIG swing (for the better) when I finally started SLEEPING more!! Ahhhh it's amazing. Wish I would have started that sooner! :)

Jessica Lee said...

I went from skinny border line eating disorder to back to healthy weight. It's been an up and down year but my mind is in a better place now.

Jessica Lee said...

I love Kombucha - not enough to drink it all the time for $3 - $4 a pop but I enjoy it once in a while.

Kath said...

That sounds like quite an odyssey what you had to go through! I'm so happy that you've found your way now and got better! Health problems mean so much suffering. :(

I've looked for kombucha already and already tried it once, but unfortunately there always seems to be A LOT of sugar in it - at least in the branches I found in the store here. I'll show again in a health food store if I can get a better one that's not so sugar-loaded. I liked it, though. It tastes a little bit like apple cider. :D

lindsay cotter said...

wow, well said katie! I love how your life has changed this past year and I hope this next year brings you even more nourishment! Good luck with marathon training!
Cheers!

alex said...

I AM SO HAPPY that you have found your way. I have never tried this drink. I am afraid of paying for it and hating it. I am unfortunately pretty picky and my taste buds stink.

if you had to pick one that a picky person would possibly like, which one would that be??

This has been my year of ups and downs. Trying to figure out who I am. I believe I have and I will use 2011 to bring out the best of me and become healthier

Alisa said...

I have to admit, I've never tried Kombucha, but even without dairy-type probiotics, my gut has really improved and is great now. So wonderful to hear about your positive journey. Here's to an even better 2011!

Mo@MommyRD said...

I would love to wine some kombucha! I used to buy it by the case because I loved how it helped my tummy and digestion as well.

This past year I have really cut down a lot on processed foods.

Mo@MommyRD said...

Oh, and I "like" GT's on facebook as well.

Kelsey said...

its really good timing for me, 2011 is definitely going to be focused on health, in every aspect of my life. even with faith- i had abandoned my faith and beliefs until last week actually. i went to mass for the first time in over 3 years and i had a breakdown/breakthrough.. i actually started tearing up because i felt like i had re-connected and found my 'home again' . the sermon was actually on straying from our faith but then coming back and finding our roots again...and knowing that its always there for us when we need it. wow its still mind blowing to think of it <3

Kris said...

Girl!! What a beautiful story :) I can relate 100% to you and lived with digestion and tummy issues all my life. I can remember being in grade 1 feeling sick everyday. I did xrays, meds, zantac, you name it. Finally in my late 20's I go to a naturopath and find out I have a gluten allergy {plus other food allergies} and boom, my life turns around!!

It is beautiful how food heals :)

You are gorgeous!!

I have never had Kombucha.....can you believe it?!

xxoo

Kristina @ spabettie said...

yum Yum YUM I now LIKE GT K on facebook !! :)

Shannon said...

To be honest I'm not entirely sure if my health has changed much in the past year. I am still trying to train myself to treat my body the way it should be treated, by giving it the proper rest and the proper nutrition and not overindulging or underindulging. However, in the new year I hope to gain new perspective on life, learn to accept myself for who I am, and provide my body with the proper nourishment, exercise, and rest.

I just bought my first two bottles of Kombucha today, so I can't say yet what I like about it. However, I do like how it is low calorie and has several health benefits such as probiotics.

I'm trying to follow on twitter, but can't remember the e-mail/password for my account...

Shannon said...

Okay, I figured it out and I am now following on twitter

Page said...

Wow, you have had a really beneficial year! So happy to hear that you got things figured out and you are doing well! And thanks for the info on Kombucha. I have always seen people drinking those but never really knew what the deal was. Great post.

Kim K said...

so glad that you found something nourishing and healthy and perfect for your body! i have always wanted to take the blood test that tells you specifically which foods are tougher for your body to digest. i have ulcerative colitis and im always learning what foods are right for me!

Laurenf1022 said...

My health has improved a lot this year since actually fueling my body with tons more fruits & veggies and less processed food. Once I made this change, I noticed a huge change in my energy and the way my body felt. It seemed so easy! I've never tried Kombacha, but it sounds amazing.

Petra said...

I gave up soda and replaced it with Kombucha. GT's Strawberry is my favorite. My little girl loves having tea parties with her friends serving kombucha as the 'tea' and surprisingly they love it...haha
It is the only way I can get any good bacteria in her body since she refuses all other fermented/cultered foods.

AnnieC said...

I've been making my kombucha at home for almost a year now. My seven year old son loves it. We occasionally buy some GT's at Whole Foods, if we've drank up our batch before the new batch is ready.

I don't have any amazing stories about how my health is changed. Rather, I believe it's the absence of any problems in my life that is a testament to what I drink and how I eat. I haven't had a cold or any sickness at all this year. I don't have any chronic diseases, haven't had a cavity in years and feel good. I'll be 45 years old soon, and it seems like a lot of people I know take prescription meds for one thing or another. I don't, thankfully.

Thanks for a wonderful blog post, and Happy New Year to you!

Missy said...

Girl!

You just gave me the biggest urge for Kombucha! I have refrained for a few weeks (my wallet was getting pretty slim) but now...It's on. After all, it's New Years!

Cheers!

PS -- Thanks for offering your support on my blog....I am so glad you did because I have added you to my reader and am loving the fact that you are so educated about nutrition (and that your an Austinite....I lived there for 7 years after college). I may not comment so often, because my computer acts so funny on your site! This is the first time I have actually gotten it to work!

Crossing fingers and hitting submit.

Liz said...

Great post! And great giveaway:) In 2010, I got back into running after a hiatus and ran the NYC Marathon (my first marathon)!

Liz said...

I've had GT's kombucha several times...I like it a lot! It's definitely an acquired taste (I can't drink an entire bottle in one sitting), but I do like how it makes me feel after drinking it. My fave flavor is Gingerade.

kristi (sweet cheeks) said...

My health has progressively gotten better throughout this past year by really cutting out much of the refined processed crap. I mostly eat stuff that I make now, instead of something made in a factory. I can't tell you how much better I feel because of it!

kristi (sweet cheeks) said...

My thoughts about Kombucha? I loooooooooove it. Yep, that pretty much sums it up. And I really do feel healthy after drinking one. If only I could afford to have 2 a day...my life would be complete! ;)

Nellie said...

Uggh@#$#@$ I tried to comment the last couple of days, but my phone was NOT being haved. So, now I'm plugged into the laptop. So here goes (cuz you KNOW I was not gonna miss out on THIS prize!!)

1. Tell me how your health has turned around this past year, if any?
This question is easy! Since I've given up processed food about 90 percent of the time, and have started eating fruits and veggies like I'm stuck on an island, I have the best poops of my life! Yes, you heard me right! And I'm proud of it :)

Nellie
http://midlifecruiser.blogspot.com

Nellie said...

2. Like GT Kombucha on Facebook- leave them a kind note too!
DUN!

Nellie said...

4. Tell me your thoughts about kombucha. Check out GT’s website and explore it to find out more!

I adore Kombucha, but not the price! I'm trying to make my own, as you know, but my scoby is being naughty. It decided to sink. Well, maybe I had a hand in it since it got the living crap shaken out of it as we were bumping around on the highway lugging our RV behind us. Not to mention, it might have gotten heated up to 105 degrees in the oven when I was trying to keep it toasty warm. I'm saying MIGHT HAVE because I surely do not want to take the blame for killing my scoby.

Nellie
http://midlifecruiser.blogspot.com

P.S. LOVE the cranberry and passion bliss flavors. Those are the ones I used mixed together for my science project.

pixxley said...

Over the past two years I've made many gradual changes in my diet, and my health has benefited tremendously. I've been making (and consuming) water kefir for almost a year now. (Great probiotic beverage!) I've tried a couple of KT kombucha flavors. Would love to try more!

Lisakthrives said...

I make my own kombucha too---it has made a big difference in my life. I was doing continuous brew, and then ...it got moldy so I have to start over!

I love your blog---I'll be back often :)

~Lisa

pixxley said...

Tibicos, or "water kefir" as most folks call it, is all over the internet; many variations, but all basically the same. Here is one: http://nourishedkitchen.com/water-kefir/

lauren@spiced plate said...

I don't know if it's too late to enter, but I had something similar happen to me -- digestive problems solved by going off gluten -- but along with the digestive problems came a weird 30 lb weight gain that no matter what I did (exercise every day, eat 1200 calories religiously) the weight would NOT come off -- until this June, when I met with an ayurvedic councelor. She had me go on a month long hard core cleanse...and the weight melted off. As I came off the cleanse and started adding more things in and eating "normally" (although a bit different from how I ate before) the weight kept coming off, almost effortlessly. Now I'm back at my "pre health disaster" weight -- and it feels amazing! I still stay off wheat, gluten, and soy products, and don't eat meat.
But I love love love kombucha -- ginger is my favorite kind. It's a bit pricey so I only get it on rare occassions-- I almost bought some at the market today but didn't have enough cash!

lauren@spiced plate said...

hi lindsay - I ate a lot of kale, raw veggies,and smoothies. A typical day went like this: wake up, have a cup of hot water or herbal tea. Eat either a steamed apple with cinnamon or a kale and apple smoothie. No food until lunch, where I would have a HUGE veggie packed raw salad with almonds/walnuts (no peanuts!), or avocado. Dinner was either an all veggie soup or a salad. No eating after 7 pm, no snacking. As the cleanse went on, I was able to add sprouted beans and soaked grains to my diet. It was hard core, but I felt nourished enough to work on a farm full time and babysit on the side while I was doing it!

Jem@jemsfoodforthought said...

I love coming to your blog because no matter how I'm feeling I can rely on your thoughts/insight and general positivity to lift my spirits. I'm naturally a glass half empty person but have made a conscious effort to change that. Reading blogs has really helped :)

Sara @ Nourish and Flourish said...

Wow, Lindsay, thank you so much for linking back to this post! I've struggled with digestive issues since 2008, and while things have improved tremendously, I'm still not sure how to fully restore my system. It got really bad in 2009, and I had to move home for awhile to get tested (colonoscopy, upper endoscopy etc etc). I too was a walking petri dish! Haha. The doctors finally diagnosed me with IBS and told me to experiment with foods. Last year I realized that wheat was a huge culprit, so I cut it out and now feel SO much better. However, my GI system is definitely not "normal!" Lots of funny things happen down there, which now in it's own way feels "normal." But I 'm determined to keep trying....I think I'm going to experiment and try adding kombucha to my diet. Are the brands more or less the same, or is would you recommend one over the others?

Again, thanks so much for sharing this! <3

Niki Kenney said...

You're so pretty! AND I THRIVE OFF Kombucha!! LOVE IT!! I wish I could stay up all night and read your entire blog! Now that I've found it, I dont want to stop!!

Melissa Keller said...

I've had a rough year health wise too. I am hoping to get answers soon. I started getting sick off and on a year ago. And then in Sept, the day of Zilker relay, I ran 17 miles total and couldn't eat afterward (totally not normal). It was like a switch flipped. From that point on, i've had some sort of stomach issues. 2 Ultrasounds, 1 CT Scan, 2 Drs, and a GI specialist. No solution.

I'm glad you found something that works for you. I hope I can get there soon. I'm seeing a new Dr in a month

kristi (sweet cheeks) said...

My thoughts about Kombucha? I loooooooooove it. Yep, that pretty much sums it up. And I really do feel healthy after drinking one. If only I could afford to have 2 a day...my life would be complete! ;)

Kim K said...

so glad that you found something nourishing and healthy and perfect for your body! i have always wanted to take the blood test that tells you specifically which foods are tougher for your body to digest. i have ulcerative colitis and im always learning what foods are right for me!

Kelsey said...

its really good timing for me, 2011 is definitely going to be focused on health, in every aspect of my life. even with faith- i had abandoned my faith and beliefs until last week actually. i went to mass for the first time in over 3 years and i had a breakdown/breakthrough.. i actually started tearing up because i felt like i had re-connected and found my 'home again' . the sermon was actually on straying from our faith but then coming back and finding our roots again...and knowing that its always there for us when we need it. wow its still mind blowing to think of it <3

Kath said...

That sounds like quite an odyssey what you had to go through! I'm so happy that you've found your way now and got better! Health problems mean so much suffering. :(

I've looked for kombucha already and already tried it once, but unfortunately there always seems to be A LOT of sugar in it - at least in the branches I found in the store here. I'll show again in a health food store if I can get a better one that's not so sugar-loaded. I liked it, though. It tastes a little bit like apple cider. :D

Erika Sperl-Imhoff said...

Yowza is right... it feels like this year's end came out of no where!!

Entry #1 - My health took a BIG swing (for the better) when I finally started SLEEPING more!! Ahhhh it's amazing. Wish I would have started that sooner! :)

Missy said...

Girl!

You just gave me the biggest urge for Kombucha! I have refrained for a few weeks (my wallet was getting pretty slim) but now...It's on. After all, it's New Years!

Cheers!

PS -- Thanks for offering your support on my blog....I am so glad you did because I have added you to my reader and am loving the fact that you are so educated about nutrition (and that your an Austinite....I lived there for 7 years after college). I may not comment so often, because my computer acts so funny on your site! This is the first time I have actually gotten it to work!

Crossing fingers and hitting submit.

Laurenf1022 said...

My health has improved a lot this year since actually fueling my body with tons more fruits & veggies and less processed food. Once I made this change, I noticed a huge change in my energy and the way my body felt. It seemed so easy! I've never tried Kombacha, but it sounds amazing.

Nellie said...

2. Like GT Kombucha on Facebook- leave them a kind note too!
DUN!