“Feel G.O.O.D. Gut Health Program” on BrightU: How hidden food sensitivities are sabotaging your health
- In Episode 3 of “Feel G.O.O.D. Gut Health Program,” Dr. Basima Williams explained how everyday “healthy” foods like eggs, dairy and gluten may cause fatigue, brain fog and chronic pain due to slow-burning inflammation.
- This episode also tackled western diets that heavily favor pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats (vegetable oils), creating a 20:1 ratio with anti-inflammatory omega-3s (fatty fish, flaxseeds) — far from the ideal 4:1 balance — and contributing to chronic diseases.
- Gluten and dairy products can trigger non-celiac sensitivities, while even “healthy” grains like quinoa may require soaking to reduce gut irritants. Colorful vegetables provide optimal phytonutrients.
- Coffee and alcohol can disrupt digestion and sleep; alternatives like herbal teas, golden milk and filtered water are gentler on the gut.
- Dr. Williams advocates for mindful eating, elimination diets and whole foods to identify triggers and reduce inflammation, emphasizing that dietary needs vary by individual.
In Episode 3 of “Feel G.O.O.D. Gut Health Program,” aired March 24, Dr. Basima Williams, a leading expert in functional medicine, delved into how everyday “healthy” foods like eggs, dairy and gluten could be the hidden culprits that can cause fatigue, brain fog and chronic pain.
Imagine waking up every day feeling exhausted, battling brain fog or enduring unexplained joint pain — only to dismiss it as “normal.” For millions, this is reality. But what if the culprit isn’t stress or aging, but the foods you eat daily? “Many individuals grow so accustomed to discomfort that they accept feeling unwell as their baseline,” said Dr. Williams.
Unlike dramatic food allergies, sensitivities operate in stealth, sparking slow-burning inflammation that erodes health over time. Symptoms like bloating, skin rashes, mood swings and indigestion often trace back to dietary triggers — many of which are celebrated as “health foods.”
Beyond sensitivities, dietary fats play a pivotal role in inflammation. omega-6 fats (found in vegetable oils like soybean and sunflower oil) dominate Western diets, creating a 20:1 imbalance with anti-inflammatory omega-3s (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds). “This ratio should be 4:1,” Dr. Williams stressed. “Chronic Omega-6 excess fuels diseases like diabetes and heart disease.”
Her fix? Boost Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts, supplements) and slash processed oils (check labels on dressings, chips and fried foods). “Even ‘healthy’ vegetable oils lose benefits when ultra-processed,” she warned.
Nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all
Proteins — especially from gluten or dairy — can wreak havoc. “Gluten sensitivity isn’t just celiac disease,” Dr. Williams said. “Non-celiac reactions cause leaky gut, fatigue and brain fog due to modern wheat’s pesticides and genetic modifications.”
Carbohydrates, meanwhile, are energy powerhouses — but quality matters. “Eat the rainbow,” she urged, emphasizing colorful veggies for phytonutrients. Yet, even “healthy” grains like quinoa require prep (soaking reduces gut-irritating lectins).
Coffee and alcohol often fly under the radar. “Caffeine may trigger headaches or heartburn,” Dr. Williams noted, while alcohol disrupts gut balance and sleep. Her alternatives: herbal teas, golden milk and filtered water (reverse osmosis removes contaminants).
“Nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Dr. Williams concluded. “By tuning into your body’s signals—through an elimination diet or mindful tracking—you can reclaim energy and health.” Her final tip? “Read labels, prioritize whole foods, and remember: inflammation starts on your plate.”
Want to learn more?
The journey to optimal health begins in the gut. The Feel G.O.O.D. Gut Health Program offers a structured, evidence-based pathway to restore digestive harmony and, by extension, overall wellness. Embrace this opportunity to revitalize your health from the inside out and experience the profound difference a balanced gut can make in your life.
When your microbiome is out of sync, your entire body feels the effects. If you want to learn more about how you can reset your system and start feeling the vitality you yearn for, or if you want to own and view the presentations at your convenience and learn at your own pace, you can get your copy of the Feel G.O.O.D. Gut Health Program Package here.
Upon purchase, you will receive lifetime access to five life-changing, gut health modules and bonuses, including 20 Recipe Cards – Anti-inflammatory Meals (PDF), Feel Good Gut Health eBook (PDF), EMF eBook Guide (PDF), an invite to join Dr. Basima Williams’ Feel G.O.O.D. Gut Health Facebook Community and three Recorded Live Q&A.
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