Confessions of a [Formerly] Chronically Constipated Chick 💩

By Leah Barack, Gut Health Expert & Functional Nutritionist

Sharing about my personal journey with healing my own gut health and chronic constipation and why I now help other women do the same.

I struggled with constipation for years.

I remember straining to go #2 even as a young kid.

I’ve always been a healthy eater, yogi, regular exerciser, and was “doing all the things” (fiber, water, meditation, etc) but I still struggled.

It was so bad I would even get envious of people with diarrhea - imagine THAT.

I was desperate for relief...

and was OVER having type 1 bowel movements, getting backed up for days any time I traveled, and feeling completely frustrated at my body.

I sought out the help of naturopathic doctors to help, only to end up right back where I started, but even more frustrated.

I did stool tests, SIBO tests, a low-FODMAP diet, cut out dairy, gluten, grains, legumes, processed foods, and joy (only half kidding).

The protocols didn’t work.

I only got temporary relief from some things, but it never felt like the problem was really solved.

I didn’t feel like anyone really understood what I was going through.

Talking about poop is obviously taboo.

It’s embarrassing. It’s frustrating when your body doesn’t do this simple thing other people don’t even have to think about.

Feeling constipated and bloated is one of the worst feelings in the world.

You really don’t get it until you’ve been there.

And I came to realize it’s not something many people specialize in or have real expertise in.

That's when I decided to learn everything I could.

I dove into the world of functional medicine and got my master’s degree in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine, took advanced GI modules through the Institute for Functional Medicine, and took workshops with gastroenterologists specializing in constipation and bloat.

I completed Nervous System Regulation programs. Did my own n=1 experiments on myself. Got feedback from the clients I worked with. And I started to piece together the links between constipation and everything else.

I realized the answer is so much more than just taking a SIBO test and doing a cookie cutter protocol.

So much more than identifying a food sensitivity and just avoiding that food indefinitely.

The answer lies in the terrain - in making the gut and body a RESILIENT and hospitable place for microbiome balance, ensuring proper digestion & absorption of nutrients and consistent motility.

In actually giving the body the correct nutrients it needs, getting it on a rhythm, and regulating the nervous system.

Once I made these shifts I noticed a huge improvement in my symptoms.

I no longer struggled the way I had for years - bowel movements felt easy and consistent, and as a side effect my skin cleared, my energy soared, my hormones balanced, and my bloat vanished.

No one person had been able to give me these answers I searched for for years.

I piece-mealed all of my education together to create a program for myself that WORKS. Then I started to use it with clients and it worked.

The world of gut health can feel incredibly overwhelming, isolating, and confusing for women who are struggling.

I am now the practitioner I wish I had back when I was struggling for years with constipation. I would have done anything to get real answers and real results.

And that’s why I now help women get real relief from constipation & bloat. Because I’ve been there - and I know what it’s like.

If you want real relief and real answers in your gut healing journey so you can have easy, regular bowel movements and stop obsessing over your gut symptoms, schedule a Free Fit Call with me here and let's chat.

If you’re struggling with constipation know that you’re not alone and there is hope.