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There are a few people who have had a huge impact on the way I eat and one of those people is today’s podcast guest, Donna Gates. As an expert in Body Ecology, this remarkable woman has dedicated her life to helping people heal their bodies and experience vibrant health. Her approach to nutrition is insanely powerful, and I especially love her strong focus on bio-individuality and treating each body as unique.
In this episode, we dive deep — delving into everything from SIBO, to candida, to genes, to your gut microbiome and more. In her signature myth-busting style, Donna debunks these (sometimes scary) terms and uncovers how you can experience radiant wellness the Body Ecology way.
If you want to get your guts in order, watch your health skyrocket and increase your energy levels, this is a must-listen conversation!
In this episode we chat about:
- The Body Ecology lifestyle, and why it’s such a healthful way to live and eat (06:36)
- How to use food to heal your body (11:52)
- The 7 core principles of Body Ecology, and how to implement them into your own life (14:36)
- The massive mistake most health philosophies make (and why they’ll hinder your healing) (17:20)
- The everyday factor that’s literally killing your gut microbiome (31:43)
- How your emotions can affect your health (32:57)
- Deciphering your body’s secret messages about the food you’re eating (34:54)
- What is SIBO and how to fix it (35:40)
- Are you a snacker? Here’s why you might want to rethink grazing all day long (36:51)
- The common fungal infection you might not even know you have (42:16)
- Solving specific gut issues so you don’t pass them onto your unborn child (46:18)
- How to build a robust immune system (47:34)
- Why getting your genes tested is imperative to navigate your health issues (52:26)
- The power of time-restricted eating (a.k.a. fasting) and why it’s so powerful for health and energy (58:55)
- Plus so much more!
Episode resources:
- Body Ecology Training (website)
- The Body Ecology Diet: Recovering Your Health and Rebuilding Your Immunity by Donna Gates (Amazon)
- BodyEcology.com (website)
- The Yeast Connection and Women’s Health by William Crook (Amazon)
- The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-term Health (Amazon)
- Veggie Bullet by Magic Bullet (Amazon)
Thank you so much for listening to this episode. I’m so honored that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could take 2 minutes to leave me a 5-star review in iTunes or on your podcast app, that way we can inspire even more people together.
P.S. Please seek advice from a qualified holistic practitioner before starting any new health practice.
P.P.S. If you’re looking for a high-impact marketing opportunity for your business and are interested in becoming a sponsor for The Melissa Ambrosini Show podcast, please email pr@melissaambrosini.com for more information.
I love that everytime I feel to listen to your podcast, I jump on, and BOOM there’s a brand newie and someone I already LOVE! Donna Gates is phenomenal and listening to this was super great!! And even more interesting as I’m now 30 weeks pregnant!! Thanks a bunch again for an epic episode!!
sorry just wanting to print out these show notes? listening and i am experiencing everything you guys talk about – i wont remember all of this though so after the notes- ta xo
Print them out sista, go for it!
Thank you for being the amazing person you are and putting this podcast out in the universe. I have been battling health issues i.e. Anxiety fibromyalgia candida and high mercury levels and who knows what else for 3 years now. Feeling like I’m going around in circles. I’m almost 31 have 3 young kids and am struggling and you have given me hope and that’s the most precious gift I could receive so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Hi angel,
You can do it! Health is a journey and I am still on mine. Don’t lose hope, you got this! Baby steps each day is the best way 😉
I love your episodes on gut health! Please keep doing more on them! Its intereting the connection of your gut with for example ADHD. Especially in children: My hope is that the message can spread and that parents become educated rather than getting prescription drugs for their children! Loved the episode!
Loved this podcast. Two beautiful knowledgeable women sharing for the world to learn from. Im just starting on this journey and you are an inspiration for me daily right now. Im starting to realise that there is knowledge everywhere, so many different sources of information and I am enjoying the process, soaking it all in and trying to incorporate as much as possible in both mine and my husbands lives. Sincerely appreciating everything you do and support women with. Thank you for being such a beautiful and inspiring light Melissa.
Thanks SO much Mel! Love your work and I’ve learnt so much in this podcast. Just wondering who you had your gene testing done through here in Australia? Xx
Hey Danielle,
Check out 23andMe, they are great!
xx
Does 23andme provide the specifics on the types of genes Donna discussed?
I am not 100% sure darling. Best to check with Donna.
xx
What a fascinating interview! I am just beginning my journey to healing my gut after a period of stress & illness. It is such a complex & confusing topic it’s hard to know where to start! So thank you so much for bringing us this info Melissa xx
I would LOVE to try Donna’s candida treatment you mentioned on insta, it is exciting to think that I could heal my own body & feel well again by healing my gut. xxx
Gut health. . .ugh. . . I had no idea how much it effected a person until I met my love, Skyler. He has been dealing with gut issues all his life. He has been to all kinds of specialists, performed numerous test, and tried diets to figure out what he has going on. Every specialist has told him not sure. . . you are fine because these test come back in the normal range. But I ask you, how is it “healthy” when a 27 year old can lose 20 pounds in a week when feeling their worst and wake up everyday with sour, bitter stool that looks like a liquid beef stew because the body didn’t break down all food properly?!? He wakes up with stomach cramps. He doesn’t want to eat breakfast because his gut hurts and may or may not eat lunch because of it and then is starving by dinner. He only eats because he knows he needs to in order to keep going. The cycle repeats he next day. On a bad day, I can tell without him telling me base on his mood (short, snappy, almost PMS like), skin color, and his motivation. He is a superstar though because he never complains or has it get in his way of doing what he needs to do to support us. It’s hard as his partner because I want him to thrive with me till the end. When family asks about his stomach he gives short responses because the topic is draining to him. Currently, we are limiting dairy because he thinks it makes it worst. His definition of worst means “not as bad as a normal day BUT still bad”. He has an amazing pain threshold. When I listen to the pod cast about starting with the biomarkers test to identify what road map is in his gut, I mentioned this to him and found a doctor 3 hours away that performs the test. I said, Skyler, look! She does the test! He instantly came up with some excuse of not doing it. It was only frustration word vomiting from his mouth based on previous experiences of being told “you’re normal.” I know he does not want to be told this anymore when he doesn’t feel “normal.” Honestly, who would? However, he’s about doing things the natural way since the allopathic medicine didn’t get us anywhere. Something different, new, and that makes actual sense is up his alley. Donna Gates pod cast episode made it sound heavenly. The whole time listening to her I was grinning ear to ear because it brought back hope of knowing there is another, even better, option to make him feel himself again. I am ready for him to not have this thundercloud hovering over his full potential. I just love the man. Thank you Melissa for everything you are doing. It is helping our family and I know is helping others dealing with gut health issues as well. You’re a such delight to me.
My goodness I loved this episode Need to read her book .. thanks for sharing!
This is such an inspirational podcast. I love Melissa’s message and she chooses great guests who are really knowledgeable in their fields. My mum has suffered from ibs and related problems for 10+ years and I’m trying to learn more to help her heal her gut and would love for her to try Kirsty’s products! Can’t wait to hear the BroadhurstWorld interview next!!!
Dear Melissa,
I absolutely loved your podcast on The Body Ecology Diet. Thank you so much for your deep caring, wisdom and desire to help others. I so appreciated your pointed questions, genuine listening and personal sharing.
One question: Do you how I can find a skilled practitioner to read genetic testing? I’m located in San Diego, California but would be happy to work by Skype with the right person. I’m one of those people who has devotedly nurtured my health for 11 years of a healing journey, but still has significant symptoms. I’m hopeful genes could help fill out the picture!
In gratitude,
Rebecca
Hey Rebecca,
So glad you love this episode, Donna is amazing, isn’t she?
I don’t know anyone in San Diego but you could email Donna and see if she knows as she is in LA. I will keep an ear out for you though and let you know if I come across anyone.
Sending you loads of love and vibrant health.
xx
Thanks so much for getting right back to me, Melissa! Donna is incredible and so are you! I’ll try to reach Donna and do let me know if you hear of any gene experts. My mom and I would both love help in this arena, and we’re happy to do remote consultations with the right person.
By the way, I just realized we share a beautiful friend in Laura Plumb. She’s such a divine, glorious friend and teacher of mine, and I see she’s a fan of you too! XO
The two of you spoke a bit about genetic testing- would love to know what DNA test you recommend!
Hey Nicole,
You can check out 23 and Me.
xx
Hi Melissa, just checking when you did 23 and me did it tell you you wouldn’t receive the health info? Or was it all the raw data you used with an expert to explain it?
Not sure if this is something they’ve changed recently (health info is available on the US and U.K. versions of the sites, just not international). Love to do it just want to make sure I’m buying the right thing! Xx
Hey Lisa, I just saw this and thought I would comment… basically the health data is not available now. They ran into some issues with that. But you can get the raw data and upload to sites like Genetic Genie, MTHFR Support and DNAFit. Hope that helps!
What fantastic information. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have been working on my gut health. The idea of gene testing makes so much sense. I was at a loss as to where to go next and the gene test is definitely where I will head. Thanks Melissa for your podcasts.
How do I find a “Donna” in my area? I know I’m struggling with Candida…and I just had a baby 4 months ago…I want to be as proactive as possible for him to avoid autism etc. But I just don’t know that anyone is SW Virginia has the same kind of tools to help me out….THANKS!
Hey Robyn,
Maybe you could email Donna and her team and ask them if they can recommend anyone as I don’t know anyone.
Keep me posted with your progress.
xx
I have just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia on December 5, 2016. I had the symptoms for a long time and it became unbearable. I am a Head Start preschool teacher and my attitude changed, short tempered. It was time for me to retire. I am tired all the time and all I want to do is sleep. I don’t sleep well at night. I stopped taking naps because I am able to sleep the whole night. I know that I have to take one day at a time. This is not a mind over matter in this situation. I had support from my doctors, family and friends. i looked further for an alternative treatments, and then a friend of mine told me about Health Herbal Clinic in Johannesburg who sell herbal formula for diseases including FIBROMYALGIA disease, I contacted the herbal clinic via their website and purchased the fibromyalgia herbal remedy. I received the herbal remedy through DHL couriers within 8 days and i immediately commenced usage as prescribed, i used the herbal remedy for about a month and 1 week, my condition has greatly improved, all my symptoms including Chronic muscle pain, Abdominal pain, nausea, I am fibromyalgia free! contact Health Herbal Clinic via their email healthherbalclinic@ gmail. com or visit www. healthherbalclinic. weebly. com
Hello beautiful Melissa, thank you as always for being you and bringing to the surface for others well needed discussions. I was hoping you could direct me to where and the names of the tests you obtained that you mentioned in this podcast such as saliva, hair etc. in regards to your gut health. Thank you xx
Hey Lauren,
The best thing to do is see Kirsty or Donna and find out which tests you need and which are best for you otherwise you may be taking a stab in the dark.
Keep me posted with how you go.
xx
Thanks beautiful
Hi Melissa,
Loved this podcast I have just listened to it again for the third time! This may be a silly question but how can I print off show notes? TIA.
Hey Emma, I am so glad you love it! You can simply cut and paste them into a word doc and print from there 😉 xx
Hi Melissa,
I’ve just stumbled across your podcasts and I’m loving them. I’ve smashed through about 12 in a week!!! I’ve got a candida overgrowth, leaky gut, and have started on a gut healing journey about 2 months ago. Donna mentions ancient minerals in her water in the morning. Is this something that is generally good for most people? I know that fermented foods etc aren’t good for me with my gut issues so wondering if the minerals in water is something I can also adapt to my morning routine? Thanks!
Hey Natalie, 12 WOW! You’re amazing! Keep up the awesome work. Regarding the minerals, I am not 100% sure so the best thing to do is email Donna or her team and ask them and remember to have fun on your health journey. xx
Hi
Great shows!! Love it!!
Does anyone know where I can buy these products in Victoria?
Thanks x
Hey Michelle, did you find out where to buy?
Hi
Unfortunately no
A few if tge podcasts have great products but unsure where to get them in Melbourne
I have been diagnosed with fybromyalgia and chronic fatigue twice. I used to suffer with candida off and on for years. Yes, Candida is real!! I have to say my candida is now gone ever since I started taking the Lady Soma Candida Cleanse. I have literally spent thousands of dollars on Candida products, I bought this Lady Soma Candida Cleanse 3 weeks ago and this is the one that works the best for me. For me I just have to make sure I eat clean and not abuse alcohol. No product will help if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. I hope this helps someone who needs hope and know you can beat this monster
Hey Paulat, I am so glad this has worked for you and brought you relief. And you’re so right no products will help if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. Couldn’t agree more. xx
Such a great episode! Very informative and some very relevant to me. I would love to know where and how to do the genre test. Xx
So glad you loved it honey. Check out Smart DNA or 23 And Me. They are both great. xx
Hi Melissa I just wanted to check that you would still recommend 23 and me for gene testing or if another provider has risen through the ranks in the past few years? Xx
Great Question honey but I’m not sure, maybe ask Dr Stephen Cabral but I did 23rd And Me years ago but haven’t done it since. Let me know if you find a better one. xx
Love this episode!
I’ve been wanting to get testing for my gut health for a long time to find out what is going on. I’ve been told I have IBS but I know it’s not that. I have done a lot of reading and truly believe my gut flora is out of balance.
Are you able to recommend a reputable site/company that provides this testing? I’ve looked online and it’s over whelming. I don’t want to hand money over to a company with little reward.
Thanks, Melissa 🙂
I know honey I totally get it. I would recommend you see Dr Stepehn Cabral and do his top 5 test’s. That’s what we do and have done for the past 3 years. Or you can do his IHP program and become certified to be able to run those test’s yourself and read your own data which makes you your own healer. Pretty cool huh! Let me know if you have any other questions. xx