It all starts in the gut. And a less-than-optimal gut microbiome can lead to an imbalance in hormones – which comes with its own complications. As you can see, the domino effect is real when it comes to gut and hormone health. Health practitioners like Jordan Bruce are paving the way for more education in the area and helping people finally get the root cause of their issues and heal them for good.
Learn more about Jordan and healing your gut and hormones here:
Free mini hormone ebook: Download Ebook
About Jordan and her work:
I worked in emergency services for almost 15 years and knew the hours and stress levels weren’t sustainable. I naturally became more interested in my health, leading me to a holistic nutrition school. I graduated from the course over two years ago now. You must take a board exam and get over 80% to practice. I loved school, and being back in my 30s was fun. Since then, I’ve signed up for training on herbalism, women’s health, and several courses on gastrointestinal health.
I was suffering the impacts of stress: mood changes, my nervous system on high alert, and changes in my digestion and bowel movements. I wanted to get to the root cause while supporting my body with food, lifestyle, and herbs. Medication is definitely needed at times, but there are many things we can do more naturally with fewer side effects. I’m just not into bandaid approaches.
[The best part of this work is] the bond between the client and I. Watching their health and happiness transform over 5-6 months. One of my latest clients said you’d never know we worked solely on Zoom and chat because it feels like we know each other so well! This work allows that to happen because each consultation is an hour versus 5 minutes. It’s just so beautiful to see clients put in the hard work to make shifts – especially women – we aren’t as good at investing in ourselves.
Hormone and gut nutrition from start to finish:
I always suggest starting with gastrointestinal health because it impacts so many areas of the body, including hormones. I’m often supporting people with IBS, bloating, constipation, PMS, perimenopause, a sluggish thyroid, digestion, parasites… soo many things! I treat session one as a first date, my old mentor taught me that, and it’s so true. I ask questions to get to know my new client, and they do most of the talking. The following sessions are based on stool testing results, their goals, and symptoms. It changes based on my client’s needs and how much they can take on with their busy lives.
I believe almost all of them because I’ve never seen a perfect GI-MAP stool test. I enjoy focusing on gut health symptoms and women’s hormones. I did my own GI-MAP and DUTCH test because I’m proactive and just so curious about how I can feel better. I’m aware I’m an anomaly. Most of my clients haven’t been feeling well for a long time and are finally ready to figure out the WHY versus just covering it up with the birth control pill or Tums. Once you know the root cause of, say, candida, I can create a protocol to try to prevent it from happening. If you don’t do any digging, that person will be on a candida cleanse every six months – that is unsustainable.
I meet clients where they are at. Some clients are eager and motivated. Others have a busy life with a toddler and work. In my application form, I asked clients what their non-negotiables are. I currently have an IBS-D client who refuses to give up coffee, so we do everything else to support him. I also firmly believe that paying for an app for clients to message me between appointments is very beneficial. If I were the client, I wouldn’t want to pay to book a follow-up if I just had a rapid question. Unfortunately, in the naturopathic world, you often have to book in, and I didn’t feel as cared for.
Hormone and gut healing from the patient’s point of view:
This really varies on the reason they have booked in. For some, it can be no more cramping and mood changes leading up to their period. It can be having 1-2 good bowel movements daily, significantly reducing their bloating and supporting healthy detoxification of excess hormones. No one wants to be running to the bathroom and stressing over if food will cause heartburn. It’s truly life-changing work. All protocols will focus on foods to include for their imbalance, lifestyle tips, and herbs. Even my clients with more complex cases still need to get back to basics like immersing themselves in nature, listening to the birds chirp, and giving themselves time to relax and take a poop!
I would say we are just so used to having health covered in Canada that it’s foreign to people to pay for health. They aren’t used to investing in their health, which can feel scary. I always direct them to my testimonials on my website or my google maps page. I often (anonymously) screenshot testimonials from my practice Better app on Instagram so followers can see that this really does work. Does it take longer? Yes, usually, but that is because you’re working on why you have reflux in the first place – versus just popping pills to reduce stomach acid further. I’m here when people are ready. I offer 15-minute free discovery calls for people who fill out my application form and still have questions. If you look towards the research, they’ll see the power herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle has on healing.
Jordan’s health and well-being tips:
Always focus on fiber and protein at meals to support energy levels: inflammation, healthy hormones, and bowel movements. We live in a fiber-deficient society. Plant-based foods are good for you, and we need to eat more of them. The American Gut Project suggests 30 different plants per week for optimal microbiota health. That includes everything from spices to beans to oats. Count next week and see how many you get!
Start with the basics: blood sugar balancing meals, eating lots of produce, chewing your food, lowering stress levels to support the vagus nerve, getting into nature, and sleeping habits. That can be powerful, and several of them are free. If you’re still struggling, seek help from an expert with a supportive 1:1 program.
Jordan’s recommended resources:
- I love Simon Hill’s podcast and book
- Aviva Romm is great for women’s health
- Pacific Rim College offers great courses if anyone is interested in learning something new
- Flo by Alisa Vitti is great for PMS
- Guilia Enders’ Gut book is an excellent deep dive into gastrointestinal health
- Expanded by To Be Magnetic is a great podcast. I love their Instagram even more. Focused on healing trauma and the manifestation
- If you have a child or are around kids, I highly recommend Good Inside by Dr. Becky. Your home life impacts your health. I’ve also heard of childless adults reading this in their healing journey
- Fifth Vital Sign book for anyone interested in tracking their cycle to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy
PMS, bloating, constipation – these are things many people suffer with, but they don’t have to! We’ve come to accept symptoms like these as ‘normal’, but just because they’re common doesn’t necessarily mean they are normal. It’s essential to take the time to address your gut and hormone health to live a healthy, happy life.
Jordan Bruce is a gut and hormone healing practitioner who helps people get their health back. You can learn more about her and her work here:
Free mini hormone ebook: Download Ebook
To learn more about holistic healing, including expert perspectives and personal stories from those who have experienced such treatments, follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be a part of our community. We share personal stories and expert advice on all different modalities of holistic healing and overall health and well-being.
If you have a story, you’d like to share or an area of expertise in holistic health, email us at hello@hopeandway.com for a chance to be featured on our blog and social media!
