By Atrium’s Head of Wellness, Barb Sheldon, MA

As a nutritionist in practice for 25 years, it still amazes me how disconnected we can be from the needs of our body. Food, sleep, hydration and stress reduction are often sacrificed first when we feel the pressures of success at work and school, health of our children and partners, and short-term indulgence in negative coping tools that produce quick dopamine hits like alcohol and sugar.

Many clients come to me not knowing that they have been living with food allergies, gut disturbances, and inflammation, and many are surprised to learn that things like low energy, sleep disturbances, and brain fog are not normal, and certainly not optimal.

We get used to the typical physical states that our bodies settle into, but that does not mean that things have to stay that way. Getting to know who you are and what your body is trying to tell you is the first step to longevity and optimal well-being. 

Here are some cues that your body is trying to tell you something. Always check with your doctor before embarking on any treatment plans. 

Gas and Bloating:

This feeling can indicate gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut microflora. This can mean that the bacteria that live in your gastrointestinal tract are not necessarily the kind that support optimal health. Working with a nutritionist or Naturopathic Doctor that can provide nutritional support that examines food allergies and intolerances and dietary changes that work to reduce sugars can be helpful.

Mid-afternoon sleepiness:

Reaching for sugar and caffeine at around 3 pm is a very common habit for many people to get them over that “midday slump”. But that tiredness midday can be an indication that your body requires a steadier supply of slow-releasing energy throughout the day, instead of blood-sugar spikes and crashes. Incorporating more good fats and fibre with every meal and snack, and avoiding refined and processed sugar is a great start. 

Skin rashes, achy joints, and head aches:

Could be indicative of food intolerances or other allergies. When we live with low-lying allergies continuously, our body is constantly dealing with a higher state of inflammation. This inflammation takes our energy and focus away. Check with your wellness provider for proper testing, diagnosis and treatment.