Women & Wellness | Gut Health | Inflammation W/ Kezia Philip M.Ed.RD

In this conversation we are unlocking the Keys to Wellness, with Kezia Philip M.Ed. RD a Registered Dietitian and Health Promotion Specialist. She is the Founder of Keys To Wellness a nutrition consulting company that aims to improve your overall health and well-being.

Back on the Podcast for another lifestyle and wellness chat, Kezia gives a life update, shares about her career, dealing with trauma (miscarriage), healing and  recovery. She spoke about her practice, being intentional about work, making space for family and offers life saving tips for living well. 

Kezia talks about miscarriages, which she says is a loss and the process of grief is felt like any other loss. She gave tips on the healing process, and emphasized the power of rest, which is a healthy habit, that everyone should practice. 

How does Mood affect your health? We discuss the impact of hormones in the body. In particular, a women's cycle and pregnancy is severely affected by hormones both physically and emotionally. As such they should be intentional about managing their lifestyle and overall health. 

Kezia says that people are "human beings, not human doings" as such we must become in sync with our body. Listen, learn and take notice of the signals the body is sending to take action where required. 

She gives some tips for healthy living, and admonishes that it is not about dieting it's a lifestyle. Eat whole foods, vegetables, fruits, fiber, staples for gut health, and proteins which are important for our immune system. Also healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, seeds and nuts) for our hormones. Practice portion control, and yes you can have your snacks/treats, but the ratio is 80% healthy foods to 20% snacks and treats. 

Kezia spoke about health as a hygiene, movement and exercise. Daily movement of any kind is important. For example walking, somatic exercises, yoga, breath work for hormonal balance and emotional release. Also, good sleep hygiene, rest and sleep must be prioritized. 

What is the Gut?  Kezia says it's quite complex; it communicates with our brains, hence why it is called the second brain. The gut affects our mood, grief, how the body absorbs nutrients, digestion, stress, cortisol levels, inflammation and other areas of the body. 

What is inflammation? Kezia shares that it is the body's natural response to injury, infection, or any harmful stimuli, and it can be internal like hormonal fluctuations. It can be acute for a short period in response to something or it can be chronic over a longer period of time. It can show up as swelling, pain, redness, and can affect the organs. 

Kezia also gives some tips for holistic wellness; which incorporates, diet, exercise, movement, preventative care, sleep, rest and sometimes saying no. She spoke about the need for body literacy - which is to read/listen to your gut feeling and body signals. Also the practice of spirituality, mindfulness and conscious living. 

We close by Kezia sharing about her personal wellness practice and how she is preparing her body for aging. The reality is that, the older we get the healthier we must become to preserve the body and the cycle of life.