The Thriving Gut

A blog with tips, tricks and recipes so you can start living a healthier, more comfortable life, today.

What Exactly is Adrenal Dysfunction and Could You be Suffering From It?
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

What Exactly is Adrenal Dysfunction and Could You be Suffering From It?

Have you even heard of Adrenal Fatigue?  If not, you are not alone.  It is often not discussed and goes undiagnosed, even though many silently suffer from it.  Yes, extreme exhaustion is just one of the common symptoms of this issue.  For this reason, many folks just chalk it up to getting older and a way of life as we age.  

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Have You Given Root Vegetables a Try?
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Have You Given Root Vegetables a Try?

Roots like carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips, are a rich source of nutritious complex carbohydrates. Instead of upsetting blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods do, they help regulate them.

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Healthier Raw Cookie Dough Recipe
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Healthier Raw Cookie Dough Recipe

Who doesn't crave cookie dough from time to time? I know I sure do. But, what I don't love is the belly bloat that accompanies typical store-bought dough. I am always looking for healthier, cleaner versions of desserts so I can enjoy a sweet treat without feeling horrible afterward. This recipe fits the bill. I hope you find it as tasty as I do! This recipe is taken from one of my clean eating programs.

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Two Forms of Estrogen Metabolites and How They Relate to Breast Cancer.
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Two Forms of Estrogen Metabolites and How They Relate to Breast Cancer.

We all have likely known someone who has recently gone through a breast cancer scare or someone who, unfortunately, was diagnosed with it. For this reason, I thought it was important to shed some light on how the liver helps to break down estrogen as well as which metabolites are associated with breast cancer development or prevention.

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Underlying Causes of Insomnia
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Underlying Causes of Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is usually tied to an underlying mental or physical issue. In some cases insomnia causes these conditions, in others, the conditions result in insomnia.

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Check Out This Shopping List for A Primarily Plant-Based Diet
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Check Out This Shopping List for A Primarily Plant-Based Diet

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” –Mahatma Gandhi

Following a whole-foods, plant-based diet (WFPB) offers many rewards. Some of the benefits of a WFPB diet include reduced risk of the following:

  • obesity

  • type 2 diabetes

  • heart disease

  • hypertension

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Discover Why One Diet Does Not Fit All
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Discover Why One Diet Does Not Fit All

So many people don’t realize that the world of ‘healthy eating’ isn’t one-size-fits all, which is why it’s so common to give up on the idea of dieting or worse, end up living with unmanaged chronic conditions.

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A Functional Medicine Approach to Lupus
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

A Functional Medicine Approach to Lupus

With this blog, I am wanting to bring awareness to the autoimmune disease Lupus. I have had a few people within this month alone tell me they have been recently diagnosed with this condition, and all expressed frustration, confusion, and concern. So, today’s blog is dedicated to this autoimmune disease that can leave one wondering how this just happened?!!

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The Serving Size Secret You Must Know!
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

The Serving Size Secret You Must Know!

Quick Quiz: How many portions are in a bag of snack-size whole grain crackers?  Or a small bottle of locally pressed juice?  Or a lunchbox pack of granola bars?

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4 Steps I Walk My Clients Through On A Weight Loss Journey
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

4 Steps I Walk My Clients Through On A Weight Loss Journey

You have decided you are finally ready to lose weight as a way of improving your overall health. Whether your motivation to do so stems from your doctor warning you about a lifelong relationship with Type 2 diabetes, or you have decided to take this step as a way of living a full, vital life.  Either way, Congratulations! I know this can be a very scary time for many of you. Insecurity, fear of failing, and feelings of overwhelm are often what leave people in the same spot year after year. The risk of change is riskier than living the same life they already know. Seriously, this is a huge reason many folks do not take that first step toward a healthier lifestyle. People must finally get to a point in which their motivation to change is stronger than their motivation to stay the same.

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Why Do We Detox Four Times a Year?
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Why Do We Detox Four Times a Year?

The word detox has become somewhat trendy on the social media front, and because of this there are definitely mixed messages surrounding what it actually means. Far too often people associate a detox with juice cleanses or restrictive eating plans only. But a well-crafted detox is so much more than that and such an amazing way to truly give your body the rest and rejuvenation it needs while healing it at the same time!

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What Are Food Sensitivities?
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

What Are Food Sensitivities?

Most people are familiar with food allergies and more and more people are becoming aware of food sensitivities and food intolerances. While food allergies can cause potentially life-threatening reactions, food sensitivity symptoms can be a little less obvious for some, but can significantly impact the quality of life for others.

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Immune Juice Recipe
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Immune Juice Recipe

Looking for a delicious way to keep your immune system strong and robust? This recipe is a great one to try! It is truly one of my personal favorites. 

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Brain-Boosting Activities
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Brain-Boosting Activities

In recent years, there have been a few interesting movements that taken place online which attempt to help people to increase the speed of their minds, and their general potential. Many software developers have thrown themselves into the mix by creating apps that are designed with the promise that using their intellectual property will actually make people smarter, but if you’re the kind of person who likes doing those kinds of things by using old fashion knowledge, then you’ll be interested in this very article that will teach you some brain boosting activities.

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Isn't Fat Bad for Me?
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Isn't Fat Bad for Me?

Dietary fat: is it good or bad?

Both. You see, not all fats are created equal.

The Skinny on Fats

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What Is Acid Reflux and GERD?
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

What Is Acid Reflux and GERD?

Acid reflux also referred to as heartburn, is the result of acidic digestive juices from the stomach backing up into the esophagus.

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Tips for Cutting Out Gluten
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Tips for Cutting Out Gluten

Going gluten-free can feel overwhelming or even seem impossible at times. Try not to stress! I’m here to help with your transition. But, trust me, your gut microbiome will definitely benefit from it.

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The Cause of Your Migraines
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

The Cause of Your Migraines

When looking for the cause of an illness, in this case, migraines, it’s important to remember the name merely identifies the symptoms and nothing about the cause of the symptoms.

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Why Gluten-Free?
Amy Blackburn Amy Blackburn

Why Gluten-Free?

While some people have to avoid gluten or suffer negative health consequences, you don’t have to be diagnosed with celiac disease or have a gluten sensitivity to reap the benefits of a gluten-free diet.

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