Welcome to another episode of Gut Heroes! In this episode, I dive into some of the strangest things I do to manage my autoimmune disease. I share my personal insights and experiences using some 'unconventional' approaches that have helped me manage ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but can also be helpful for anyone dealing with a chronic health condition.

This includes:

✔️ Making my own natural skin cream ✔️ Using beef tallow soap to stop skin irritation ✔️ Following a no-starch, no-dairy diet ✔️ Incorporating specific oils like olive oil and avocado oil ✔️ Using fasting for flare management and overall health ✔️ Taking cold showers to beat inflammation ✔️ Using apple cider vinegar for gut health ✔️ Supplementing with magnesium ✔️ Experimenting with a "Bed of Nails" for back pain relief

I explore how these seemingly strange practices have become valuable tools in my AS management toolkit. I also look at how small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time. The benefits of challenging our bodies beyond constant comfort and the need for personalised approaches in managing autoimmune disease.

To access links discussed in this podcast: 🔗 Show notes For more information, head to the Gut Heroes website: 🔗 https://gutheroes.com

Disclaimer: Please note, this is for informational purposes only. Gut Heroes does not offer medical advice. We are all different and what works for me may not work for you. I setup Gut Heroes to share information with you. To shine a light on my own personal discoveries (as I currently understand them) and to help you with your own personal research.

In this episode, I explore practical strategies for travelling with an autoimmune disease and specific dietary requirements. I share my own personal experiences from my recent trip to the Faroe Islands and offer some of the insights I've gained over the years managing my ankylosing spondylitis through diet and lifestyle changes. I discuss: ✔️ Preparation and knowing your dietary needs ✔️ Strategies for packing and storing food while travelling ✔️ Tips for finding suitable foods in unfamiliar locations ✔️ How to navigate restaurants and menus more confidently ✔️ The benefits of embracing local produce and frozen foods ✔️ Managing stress and anxiety around food when away from home ✔️ The unexpected joys of rediscovering natural flavours These approaches can help you maintain your health while still enjoying your travels. Best of all you can tailor them to your individual needs and circumstances. To access links discussed in this podcast: 🔗 Show notes For more information, head to the Gut Heroes website: 🔗 https://gutheroes.com

Disclaimer: Please note, this is for informational purposes only. Gut Heroes does not offer medical advice. We are all different and what works for me may not work for you. I setup Gut Heroes to share information with you. To shine a light on my own personal discoveries (as I currently understand them) and to help you with your own personal research.

In this episode, I explore powerful, practical ways to reduce pain and stress 'in the moment'. I share personal strategies I've developed over the years to help shift into a better, less painful, less stressful state, including: ✔️ Using the 'third person' perspective to reframe stressful thoughts ✔️ Tackling challenging tasks immediately to avoid stress snowballing ✔️ The benefits of hot and cold exposure for lowering inflammation ✔️ How a stroll in nature can act as a powerful anti-inflammatory ✔️ The restorative power of short naps ✔️ Using heat and cooling gels for quick pain relief ✔️ The importance of social connection in managing pain and stress ✔️ Creating a clear action plan for flares or high-stress periods ✔️ Practicing gratitude to reframe your perspective ✔️ The pain-relieving power of laughter I discuss how these cognitive and physical strategies can work in tandem to help manage both stress and pain, which are often interconnected. I emphasise the importance of tailoring these approaches to suit your individual needs and incorporating them into your routine in a way that feels natural and beneficial.

To access links to the studies discussed in this podcast: 🔗 Show notes

For more information, head to the Gut Heroes website: 🔗 https://gutheroes.com

Disclaimer: Please note, this is for informational purposes only. Gut Heroes does not offer medical advice. We are all different and what works for me may not work for you. I setup Gut Heroes to share information with you. To shine a light on my own personal discoveries (as I currently understand them) and to help you with your own personal research.