Food plays a critical role in our overall health and well-being, serving as both fuel and medicine for our bodies. From physical health to mental wellness, the impact of what we eat cannot be overstated. By making mindful food choices and understanding the profound effect nutrition has on our bodies, we can unlock our potential for optimal health, disease prevention, and enhanced quality of life.
In November 2023, a client came to me with a troubling issue: persistent heart palpitations. Despite undergoing a series of tests—including an EKG, echocardiogram, and heart monitor—Western medicine offered no definitive answers. Every result showed normal, leaving my client frustrated and without a clear path forward.
The Turn to Nutrition
By late January, in a bid to find relief, my client consulted a nutritionist. Dietary changes brought some improvement, but the palpitations continued to plague them. It was clear that something deeper was at play.
Seeking Real Answers
Determined to uncover the root cause, my client sought my expertise. One powerful diagnostic tool we utilize is a comprehensive stool test. Allow me to share just a glimpse of the results and what they reveal about my client’s condition:
Key Markers from the Stool Test
Steatocrit: This marker helps detect increased levels of fat in stool, which can indicate issues with fat absorption or digestion. It’s a valuable tool for identifying potential problems in the digestive system. Elevated levels indicate poor fat absorption. This often points to issues within the pancreas or small intestine. Imagine your body missing out on essential nutrients; it’s no wonder palpitations can persist.
Elastase-1: This pancreatic enzyme is measured to evaluate the quantity of pancreatic enzymes present. Testing elastase-1 levels can be useful when determining if supplemental pancreatic enzymes could benefit a patient, particularly in cases where the pancreas may not be producing sufficient enzymes for proper digestion. Low levels suggest pancreatic insufficiency, leading to improper digestion and nutrient absorption. Since the heart requires specific nutrients to function optimally, deficiencies here can trigger symptoms like palpitations.
Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA):
This immunoglobulin is an antibody found in mucous membranes, such as the gut, respiratory tract, and saliva. It acts as the first line of defense against pathogens by binding to them and preventing their attachment to the host’s cells. sIgA also helps maintain a balanced immune response and plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity. Reflecting immune function within the gut, very low levels of Secretory IgA indicate weakened gut immunity. This makes one more susceptible to infections and inflammation, which can stress the body and potentially trigger heart palpitations.
I also discovered overgrowths of bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas. These can cause infections that impact the heart. Additionally, the bacterial phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were alarmingly low. These bacteria are crucial for digestion, absorption, immune regulation, protection against pathogens, and even influence metabolic and mental health.
Pinpointing the Underlying Issues
By examining these markers (and many others), we pinpointed the underlying issues contributing to my client’s heart palpitations. We’ve conducted multiple tests and are making lifestyle adjustments to restore balance to their body. My goal is to present this information in a digestible manner so you can make sustainable adjustments that truly change your life.
The Broader Picture
Western medicine, and even nutritionists, often miss these nuances. The stories I hear break my heart, but they also strengthen my resolve. There is hope, and I am committed to helping you uncover hidden stressors impacting your well-being. If you’re experiencing similar issues, don’t hesitate. Book a free discovery call with me today—there’s no time to waste.
I’m in your corner,
Falyn Hunter Morningstar
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Practitioner
Multidisciplinary Healer
Falyn Morningstar LLC
www.falynmorningstar.com
Discover@falynmorningstar.com
_Heal Together, Rise Together_
