Rachel Claire HHC

It's not just a "Stomach Ache"

Confused about gut health, microbiomes, probiotics, and prebiotics?

You're not alone. Many of us have experienced what we think is a "stomach ache," but usually it's not the stomach that's in pain.

Your gut (gastrointestinal tract) or digestive system, is an ecosystem that starts at your mouth and ends at your butt... I mean... a**s.

It's the journey your food takes through your body, and it has trillions of tiny organisms collectively called your "microbiome"

This microbiome is responsible for extracting nutrients from your food, influencing everything from acne breakouts to weight management, and even affecting your mood. However, factors like stress, poor diet, antibiotics, and genetics can throw things super off.

So, how can we support our gut health?

Consume Prebiotics: These are fiber-rich foods that ferment in your gut, feeding the good bacteria.

Include Probiotics: Foods or supplements containing live beneficial bacteria to enhance your microbiome.

Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics: While sometimes necessary, antibiotics can kill both good and bad bacteria indiscriminately.

Remember, when people talk about "gut health," they're referring to the entire digestive system, not just the stomach.

By balancing your microbiome, you're improving your skin health, reducing inflammation, balancing weight, aiding digestion, and even stabilizing your mood.

Feel like you're trying to improve your gut health but it's not getting better? Let's chat...

The presence of fungi, parasites, overgrown bacteria, or intestinal inflammation can make it pretty difficult to actually heal (even with pre/probiotics and a healthy diet).

3 Surprising Things You Might Be Doing That's Hurting Your Gut

Have gut issues? Here are some less obvious habits that can disrupt your digestive balance:

1. USING ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

You might be reaching for artificial sweeteners to cut calories (sugar-free anything) but these sugar substitutes can negatively impact your gut microbiome. Studies suggest that artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria, leading to digestive issues and even glucose intolerance.

Common examples:
Aspartame (brands: Equal, NutraSweet)
Sucralose (brand: Splenda)
Saccharin (brands: Sweet'N Low, Sweet Twin, Necta Sweet)

2. EATING LATE AT NIGHT

Eating close to bedtime can cause indigestion, disrupt your sleep, and affect the natural rhythms of your gut microbiome.

Quick Fix:
- Aim to have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before bed.
- If you need a late-night snack, choose something light and easy to digest, like a small piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.

3. OVERDOING IT WITH EXERCISE

While regular exercise is great for overall health, over-exercising can stress your body and negatively impact your gut. Excessive high-impact physical activity can alter gut bacteria and increase gut permeability, leading to digestive issues.

Quick Fix:
- Balance your exercise routine with adequate rest and recovery.
- Incorporate a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
- Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself to the extreme.

My health struggles began in college...

I faced severe issues with my body, my mental health, and my relationships. I dealt with painful periods, low libido, debilitating anxiety, and frequent UTIs and yeast infections... just to name a few things!

After years of ineffective treatments and countless "quick fixes" and "hormone-balancing supplements", I decided to take control of my health by diving into the research and seeking holistic solutions. This led me to transform my diet, exercise routine, overall lifestyle, and most importantly my MINDSET... where I ultimately found lasting relief.

My experiences fueled my passion for helping other women navigate their own health challenges. I was PI**ED that I had to deal with years of struggle all because I didn't have the correct information and support.

I became a certified Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and gained further qualifications with the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

With several years of experience in women's health, weight loss, and functional medicine coaching, I'm soooo dedicated to providing personalized and evidence-based support.

Today, I use my knowledge and skills to guide women on their health journeys, helping them reclaim their health and improve their quality of life.

Through functional medicine tools, individualized coaching, and a holistic approach, I empower women to overcome their health challenges and achieve sustainable wellness.

If you read this far it might be a sign that you really NEED the support to figure out your health challenges. Shoot me a DM to figure out where to start

Why I don't really cycle sync anymore 🥹

For those who might not know, cycle syncing is where you align your lifestyle, diet, and exercise routines with the different phases of your menstrual cycle.

I've found that I no longer need to make significant changes to my routine throughout my cycle. Why?

**Because I've addressed the underlying issues that once made my periods awful and have embraced a healthy, balanced lifestyle**

A few years ago, my periods were awful. I called out of work, canceled plans, didn’t go to the gym let alone get out of bed.

Through a combination of a gut protocol, nutritional adjustments, and lifestyle changes, I was able to identify and tackle the underlying issues contributing to my painful periods.

Here are some of the key changes I made:

1. Balanced Nutrition: I focused on eating a well-rounded diet rich in whole foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Regular Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity, like yoga, walking, rock climbing, and strength training, has improved my overall health and significantly reduced menstrual pain.
3. Stress Management: Practices such as meditation/breathwork, long yap sessions with friends and family, and getting enough sleep have been crucial in managing stress, which in turn has had a positive impact on my menstrual cycle.
4. Listening to My Body: Paying attention to my body's signals and resting when needed has been key. Instead of pushing through pain and fatigue, I now allow myself the grace to slow down and take care of myself.

My periods are now (and have been for a few years) manageable and mostly symptom-free. I no longer experience the dreadful symptoms that once forced me to plan my life around my cycle. Instead, I feel balanced and in tune with my body every day of the month

No - that doesn’t mean I don’t cramp or feel more tired sometimes but I no longer need to really plan around it!

I hope my story encourages you to explore the underlying causes of your period problems and consider what changes need to be made.

If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, please drop a comment below 💕

Is it a gut issue or a hormone issue?

The Gut-Hormone Link:
- The gut, also known as the "second brain," helps regulate hormones. This relationship is called the Gut-Hormone Axis

Hormones aren't always the root cause of health issues.

Often, poor gut health is the real problem behind symptoms like inflammation and nutrient deficiencies. Issues like leaky gut syndrome can lead to systemic inflammation, affecting hormone balance.

Why It Matters:

By working on your gut health, you can better regulate hormones and alleviate related symptoms. A healthy gut can lead to long-term health and resilience, reducing the impact of hormone imbalances.

Remember, while hormones can influence how we feel, the root cause of many of your symptoms often lies within your gut. Addressing gut health can lead to significant improvements in hormone-related symptoms and overall well-being.

Are you curious about non-hormonal birth control options but unsure where to begin?

If the potential side effects of hormonal birth control have you feeling crazy, or if you simply want a more natural approach, this masterclass is for you!
I'm hosting an Intro to Non-Hormonal Birth Control on Monday, June 3rd from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
In just one hour, we'll discuss:
🌺 The Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) - A highly effective (99%!) natural alternative to hormonal birth control. I've been practicing for 4.5 years!
🌺 My Personal Journey - Hear my first-hand experience ditching hormonal birth control and the side effects that came with it.
🌺 Cycle Syncing - Discover how aligning your lifestyle with your menstrual cycle can optimize hormone balance, energy, and overall well-being.
🌺 The Benefits of Going Natural - Explore the advantages of non-hormonal birth control for your body, mind, and reproductive health.
Only 3 spots left!!

Intro to Non-Hormonal HBC - Virtual Masterclass — Rachel Claire, HHC In 60min we'll explore: Fertility Awareness Method (FAM): Understand the science behind FAM and how it works with your body's natural cycles to prevent or plan pregnancy. My Personal Experience: I'll share my journey with using the fertility awareness method! Beyond the Calendar:

New review from an OUTSTANDING client. When you put in the work you get the results!! 💕🎉

Google review of Rachel Claire HHC by Brandy West ★★★★★ "Rachel is fantastic! I needed help healing my gut and improving my health after Celiac diagnosis, and after just a couple of months her diet plan was working…reduced A1C, reduced inflammation markers, reduced cholesterol, and even lost a few pounds! Forever grateful! Highly recomm...

What can happen with the Copper IUD:

The copper IUD continuously releases small amounts of copper into the uterus.

For most people, this is not an issue, the body can usually manage and excrete the excess copper.

However, in some cases, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions, sensitivities, or autoimmune conditions this added copper can build up over time, leading to toxicity.

So what do you do?
If you suspect you might have copper toxicity, it's super important to speak with your healthcare provider.

They can test to check copper levels in your body and provide guidance on the best course of action.

Alternatives to the copper IUD should be recommended!

Maintaining awareness of how your body responds to any contraceptive method is key to ensuring your overall health and well-being.

If you want to explore NON-Hormonal options check out the masterclass I'm hosting on June 3rd - Intro to Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Only $12 - Link in bio
(a recording will be sent for those who can't make it live)

Working 1:1 with people is so rewarding and I'm SO lucky to have the BEST clients 🧡🧡

Google review of Rachel Claire HHC by Rachael Bourell ★★★★★ "Coach Rachel really cares not only about physical health but your mental health as well. She is an absolute gem of a human and a coach"

Sick of dealing with the unpleasant side effects of birth control pills? 💊

Fertility Awareness is how I've re-synced to my body's natural rhythms...

Join my virtual masterclass to discover a hormone-free approach to birth control.

In this 60-min masterclass, you'll learn how to:
✨ Ditch the mood swings, weight fluctuations, and other nasty side effects
✨ Embrace a deeper connection with your femininity and fertility
✨ Achieve hormone balance and improved overall well-being
✨ Take control of your reproductive health without synthetic hormones

No more settling for hormonal birth control methods. This masterclass will empower you with the knowledge and tools to prevent pregnancy naturally, in tune with your cycle

(I've been practicing for 4 years)

Click this link to save your spot: https://www.rachelclairehhc.com/events
Spaces are limited so we can do a live Q&A.

This is your sign to start your journey towards a happier, healthier you. 💪

Let me introduce myself!

In college I struggled with hormonal imbalances and debilitating gut issues that left me feeling overwhelmed and crushed by the weight of the world.
A non-comprehensive list of symptoms I’ve personally struggled with:

Acne, weight gain, hair loss, chronic fatigue, anxiety, breast tenderness, debilitating periods/period cramps, low (non-exsistent) libido, chronic UTI’s, chronic yeast infections, pain with s*x, dry skin, muscle cramping… should I go on?

But instead of accepting my situation (I knew there had to be a way out), I decided to take control of my health. I immersed myself in the world of holistic health, functional medicine, and natural solutions, driven to figure out the root causes of my symptoms and get my f*ckin life back.

Today, I'm a passionate advocate for holistic health, I have the incredible opportunity to partner with a network of clinicians to provide comprehensive lab testing, personalized treatment plans, and tailored supplement protocols to my clients… all the tools I needed but didn’t have.

I specialize in addressing thyroid conditions, gastrointestinal issues, hormone imbalances, and autoimmune disorders.

My true strength lies in my ability to incorporate the world of holistic health AND use tools from western medicine.

With a blend of humor, passion, and sometimes tough love, I empower my clients to take control of their own physical wellness, fertility, and mental health, guiding them towards a life of balance, vitality, and (yes!) enjoyment of food.

When I'm not diving deep into health concerns or working on wellness plans, you'll find me exploring Utah' landscapes or embarking on desert road trips in pursuit of my next adventure. Because let's be honest, what's the point of being healthy if you can't enjoy and embrace all life has to offer?

If you're ready to take control of your health, I'm here to be your guide. With support of me and my team of clinicians, you'll navigate the complexities of wellness with confidence.

SO....

I hit one year in business this week! I have been coaching for almost 4 years now but my functional medicine and health coaching business launched in April 2023 after being laid off. It was an unexpected turn of events but I have grown so much because of it.

I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for helping me SO much on my entrepreneurship journey. I am so grateful to all the friends and family that have supported me by sharing my content, sending referrals, interacting with my socials, reaching out with health questions, and sending love and support.

I am more motivated than EVER to continue helping women succeed in life because they don't have nagging health issues keeping them down.

Thank you for being a part of my community. 🧡

Want to get off Birth Control but don't know where to start?

My course Beginning the Breakup (with birth control) is 50% off through May 31st
More info:
https://www.rachelclairehhc.com/bb-course

Drop questions in the comments!

BB — Rachel Claire, HHC This self-paced program is designed to help you prepare to come off birth control and/or rehab your cycle once you're off!gain body awarenessprevent post-birth control syndromework *with* your cycleunderstand your fertilityprepare for your goals (getting pregnant or avoiding)get reconnected to your....

Fertility Awareness Method (FAM): Ever heard of it?

I've been practicing for 4 years!

Taking questions for the next 24 hours about this form of non-hormonal birth control

Feeling exhausted and struggling to stay on top of things?
If chronic fatigue is slowing you down and hindering your productivity, you're not alone.
Let me guess... your doctor doesn't take your complaints of fatigue seriously? You've mentioned it and they say "get more sleep" or "that comes with being a mom!"
How about we actually address what is going wrong in your body to cause the exhaustion.
Is it your thyroid?
Your gut issue?
A PARASITE?
Hormone imbalance?
Let's find out! We can address those nagging health issues together... I'm offering FREE health consultations to help you reclaim your energy and vitality.
Don't let fatigue hold you back – reach out today and let's thrive together!
Picture of me living my dreams because I no longer have health problems holding me back 🎉

Book a consult here: www.rachelclairehhc.com

Did you know?

Even if your TSH is "normal" you may still have an under-functioning thyroid.

AND hypothyroidism can be caused by gut imbalances!*

Your gut health and thyroid function are closely intertwined. Research suggests that imbalances in gut bacteria can impact thyroid health, affecting hormone production and metabolism.

>> This is why I don't START with hormones

The Dynamic Duo: Pre & Pro

PRObiotics introduce beneficial microorganisms to the gut, supporting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

PREbiotics serve as nourishment for beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting their growth and activity. AKA what keeps PRObiotics alive.

Probiotics are the peacekeepers in your gut, ensuring that everything stays in balance. They tip the scales in favor of beneficial bacteria, preventing the overgrowth of harmful ones.

PSA: While these can work wonders for many, they might not play well with everyone... especially if you do have gut issues.

For individuals with certain gut conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), introducing probiotics or prebiotics can be throwing fuel on the flames. The sensitive gut might respond with overstimulation, leading to increased discomfort, bloating, and gas.

Prebiotics, while beneficial for many, can pose challenges for those with gut issues. In conditions like SIBO, where bacteria can overgrow in the small intestine, prebiotics may act also as fuel for the unwanted bacteria, worsening symptoms.

Have you recently done a food sensitivity test? Let's chat about how to leverage that data!

Having gut problems and think it's related to food? Let's find out!

Gut problems are often multifaceted, involving factors like dysbiosis, inflammation, or intestinal permeability (leaky gut).

Relying solely on food sensitivity tests might divert attention from addressing these underlying issues contributing to gut problems.

AMA: Ask me anything!!

Health, Hormones, Gut, Nutrition, etc
(I'm a Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach)

Want to get more education on health and wellness?

Join us for our upcoming wellness workshop featuring insights from 8 distinguished health professionals! 🌿✨

🎤 Meet Our Experts:

Dr. Isaac Halliday, DPT
Dr. Lindsay Hall, Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Karin Boyer, DPT
Kayla Potter, CPT
Wes Israelsson, Ergonomics Specialist
Rachel Hurmence, NBC-HWC, BS, INHC
Rachel Pearce, L.Ac., MAOM
Charles Pigott, CPT, Nutritionist

This is your chance to gather knowledge from a diverse panel of experts right here in the Salt Lake Valley!

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One more week to take advantage of this offer 🩷

DM me for details!!!