Navigating Healthy Snacking: A Guide to Making Informed Choices

Healthy snacking isn’t just about filling a craving; it’s a chance to fuel your body with nourishment. Making informed choices in healthy snacking involves more than grabbing the nearest option. It’s about consciously selecting snacks that nourish, energize, and align with your well-being goals – leaving you feeling good in both your mind and gut. 

How to Choose the Right Healthy Snack

Here’s a concise guide to empower your healthy snacking journey, towards informed and healthy snacking choices.

Read Labels and Ingredients

Start by understanding what goes into your snacks and opt for recognizable ingredients. LesserEvil’s Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn has only 3 easy-to-read ingredients:

  • Non-GMO Popcorn
  • Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
  • Himalayan Salt

Consider Nutritional Value

Opt for functional snacks rich in nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These elements not only satiate hunger but also contribute to sustained energy levels throughout the day, compared to heavily processed, sugar-based snacks.

Mind the Portions

Turn mindless eating into mindful snacking! Even with healthy snacks, portion control matters. It’s easy to overindulge, so portion out your snacks beforehand to avoid endless eating. Our Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn can be found in convenient snack packs 0.46 ounce bags that are easy to take on the go! 

Variety is Fun

Experiment with diverse healthy snack options. LesserEvil offers a variety of flavors in our snacks – from veggie, sweet, or savory options, to dairy-free “white cheddar,” paleo, or vegan snacks, all in varieties of Popcorn, Power Curls, Space Balls, and more! 

Stay Hydrated

Often overlooked, water is a crucial key for establishing a healthy snacking routine. Sometimes what we perceive as hunger is actually thirst. Stay hydrated to make more conscious snack choices.

Stay Healthy Snacking with LesserEvil 

By implementing these healthy snack practices, you empower yourself to make informed choices in your snacking habits. Remember, healthy snacking is about nourishing your body with natural ingredients and wholesome foods for sustained energy and overall health. 

LesserEvil brings fun flavors and nourishing ingredients to your everyday healthy snacking. From paleo puffs, organic corn puffs, and sweet or salted popcorn options, you can shop a healthy snack for every craving! 

Embrace this journey toward healthier choices with our healthy popcorn brand and let your snacks reflect your commitment to your well-being.

Browse the full collection from our healthy snacks brand or get more Health & Wellness tips from our Blog.

Yogurt Cups:

Kayla’s Kitch and Fix

Featuring: LesserEvil Berry Blast Cosmic Rings

Yield: 6 cups

Time: ~1 hour, or so

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Line a cupcake tin with 6 liners.
  2. In a food processor, pulse together the Cosmic Rings, granola and honey until fully combined to create the crust.
  3. Add an even amount of the crust to the bottom of each cupcake liner and press down to flatten completely.
  4. Top with equal amounts of yogurt and smooth the top.
  5. Add toppings to the yogurt such as granola, more Cosmic Rings, fresh fruit, etc.
  6. Freeze for 30 minutes-1 hour or until fully set.

Notes:

When it comes to the toppings, you can customize these however you like!

  1.  

Pizza Fries:

Kayla’s Kitch and Fix

Featuring: LesserEvil Outer Planet Pizza Space Balls

Ingredients:

  • 3 russet potatoes
  • 1 cup LesserEvil Outer Planet Pizza Space Balls, crushed
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp salt

Toppings (optional/customize to your liking):
Cheese, of choice
Pepperoni


Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut potatoes into fries and place in a large bowl.
  3. Add the avocado oil to a skillet on the stove over medium heat.
  4. Crush Space Balls in a food processor along with onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt to mix it all together into a powder.
  5. Pour avocado oil over the fries, then sprinkle on the Space Balls powder mixture and toss the fries to evenly coat.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes.
  7. Remove the fries from the oven and move them closer together or onto smaller baking sheets for individual serving.
  8. Top with your favorite pizza toppings such as cheese and pepperoni as well as an additional sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
  9. Bake the fries for 5-15 minutes, depending on your oven, until the cheese is melted.
  10. Dip in pizza sauce and enjoy!

Spotlight: Clean Label Project

 

In a world where snackers are increasingly conscious of the foods they eat, knowing exactly what’s in them is more important than ever. Here at LesserEvil, we take pride in our commitment to transparency and quality. That’s why we’re excited to announce that our products are a part of the Clean Label Project, and we’d love to share why it’s so important to us!

The Clean Label Project: What Is It?
The Clean Label Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting transparency in the food and consumer product industries. Their mission revolves around providing consumers with information about product safety, ingredient quality, and overall product integrity. The organization conducts rigorous, independent testing on various consumer products, including food items, supplements, and more.

What Does it Mean for Our Snacks?
Being a part of the Clean Label Project means that our snacks have undergone thorough scrutiny and testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and purity. The Clean Label Project assesses products for contaminants, toxins, and potentially harmful substances. Our commitment to transparency means that we’re willing to go the extra mile to guarantee the integrity of our product.

Why Is This Important?
Consumer Trust: When you see the Clean Label Project certification on our packaging, you can trust that we’ve taken every measure to ensure it’s a safe and high-quality product. This trust is vital in a world where food safety is paramount.

Health and Wellness: We care about your health, and we know you do too. Clean Label Project testing helps ensure that our snacks don’t contain harmful additives, contaminants, or allergens, promoting a healthier option for you and your family.

Transparency: We believe in transparency throughout our production process. By participating in the Clean Label Project, we’re not only saying we care about the quality of our product, but we’re also showing it through rigorous third-party testing.

Sustainability: The Clean Label Project’s focus on ingredient quality and purity aligns with our commitment to sustainable sourcing and ethical practices in the food industry. We’re not just about great-tasting popcorn; we’re about responsible snack choices.

Choice and Information: In an era of diverse dietary preferences and restrictions, you deserve to know what’s in the food you consume. Being part of the Clean Label Project helps you make informed choices that align with your values and dietary needs.

Our Promise to You
At LesserEvil, our snacks are more than just a healthy alternative; we have a commitment to your well-being and the well-being of our planet. By being a part of the Clean Label Project, we’re not only meeting industry standards; we’re setting a higher bar for quality, transparency, and trust.

The next time you enjoy a bowl of our popcorn, remember that it’s not just a delicious treat – it’s a testament to our dedication to clean, safe, and transparent snacking. Thank you for choosing LesserEvil, where quality meets conscience.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue our journey towards better, cleaner snacks for you and your family. Together, we can snack smarter and make better choices for a healthier future.

Broccoli Cheddar Fritters BY:

Kayla’s Kitch and Fix

Featuring: LesserEvil Interstellar Cheddar Space Balls

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped broccoli, cooked
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (use dairy free, if desired)
  • 1/2 cup cassava flour
  • 1/3 cup LesserEvil Interstellar Cheddar Space Balls, crushed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 4 tbsp avocado oil, for frying

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil on the stove. Once boiling, add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.

  2. Drain the broccoli and space the florets on a towel to dry. Pat down the broccoli gently to remove any excess moisture.

  3. Add the avocado oil to a skillet on the stove over medium heat.

  4. In a food processor, crush the LesserEvil Interstellar Cheddar Space Balls until a powder is formed.

  5. While the skillet and oil heat, mix together all of your ingredients and combine until smooth.

  6. Separate the dough into 8 equal parts and roll into balls of dough.

  7. Using your fingers, gently press out the dough to flatten the ball into a circle.

  8. Place each fritter in the pan and cook for 7-10 minutes on each side. Be sure to check that they don’t burn. You’ll want a perfect orangey golden color!

  9. Once finished, set the fritters on a towel to absorb any excess oil.

  10. Serve with sour cream and sliced green onions!

     

 

Cracking the Code of Alkalinity: Unleashing the “pH”enomenon

In the swirling cosmos of health trends, one term has risen to celestial fame: alkalinity. It’s like the secret password to unlocking a realm of vitality and well-being. Hold on tight as we embark on an odyssey through the enigmatic universe of alkalinity, decoding its essence, significance, and how you can dance with the stars while maintaining your body’s harmonious pH balance.

Before we start unraveling the mysteries, let’s get cozy with the basics. Alkalinity is a chemical measurement of a water’s ability to neutralize acids. Now, pH is our universal translator, measuring the acidic or alkaline levels of a solution on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 sings a neutral tune, while below 7 strums the acidic chords and above 7, well, that’s the sweet serenade of alkalinity.

Cosmic Choreography of pH Balance

Picture our bodies as a grand cosmic dance, where pH balance is the choreography that keeps the show running smoothly. Each system in our body boasts its own pH groove: the stomach finds its rhythm with high acidity for digestive jazz, while our blood twirls gently around the slightly alkaline pH of 7.35 to 7.45.

When the dance falters due to an uninvited guest—pH imbalance—the show goes awry. From digestive disharmony to immune system jitters, this cosmic dance is more intricate than meets the eye.

One star-studded phenomenon in the realm of alkalinity is the alkaline diet based on the unproven notion that there are health benefits to be gained by moving your body chemistry to the alkaline side of the scale. While debates surround the science of the alkaline diet, it’s an astronomical truth that a diet abundant in fruits; grains like wild rice, oats and quinoa; legumes;
non-starchy vegetables; nuts; and seeds offer universal benefits. Any food brimming with essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants is going to light up your inner wellness constellation.

Mystical murmurs about the benefits of alkalinity abound, though remember, not every star is a supernova. Some whispered benefits include:

Stellar Digestion: A balanced pH can set the stage for smooth digestion and chase away the acid reflux shadows.

Galactic Energy Surge: Rumor has it that an alkaline spaceship revs up your energy engines, making you feel ready to launch to the stars.

Bone Odyssey: Maintaining a celestial pH balance could be linked to preserving those precious bones and thwarting the villainous osteoporosis.

Anti-Inflammatory Celestial Symphony: Some hint at alkaline diets composing an anti-inflammatory opus, battling the dark forces of chronic inflammation.

Cracking the Celestial Cipher: Stellar Strategies

Whether you’re donning a spacesuit for the alkaline adventure or simply aiming to keep your pH in harmony, consider these strategies:

  • Hydration Nebula: Sip on alkaline water to keep yourself hydrated and in pH equilibrium.
  • Verdant Voyage: Embrace the cosmos of leafy greens, cabbage, and broccoli—your alkaline allies in this galactic quest.
  • Acidic Asteroid Avoidance: While balance is key, dodging acidic asteroids like processed foods can help you stay in harmony.
  • Moderation Warp Drive: Moderation is your starship’s warp drive. No need to abandon beloved food groups; just balance their cosmic impact.

In the grand tapestry of health–with a whole-food diet being the foundation–alkalinity adds a cosmic hue. As you set forth on your cosmic journey, remember that consulting with an Earth-bound healthcare sage is a stellar move before making major shifts. So, gear up, embrace the cosmic dance, and let alkalinity be your guiding star to wellness!

 

Cookies  & Cream Popcorn BY:

Kayla’s Kitch and Fix

Featuring: LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups white chocolate

  • 2 cups chocolate cookies, crushed

Directions:

  1. In a microwave safe bowl, melt white chocolate in 30 second increments, stirring between each. It should take about a minute and 30 seconds or so.
  2. Crush cookies and set aside.
  3. Lay out a piece of parchment paper on your counter or on a baking sheet.
  4. Add popcorn and cookies to a large bowl, then stir in the melted white chocolate, evenly covering the popcorn and cookie mix.
  5. Once completely mixed and covered, pour the popcorn mixture onto the parchment paper and spread it gently into an even layer. If you’d like, you can sprinkle additional cookie pieces or white chocolate pieces before it cools/sets completely.
  6. Allow the chocolate to cool/set for about an hour.
  7. Once cool, break apart the treat into smaller pieces and enjoy!

Spotlight: Sales Team

 

The Sales Team is an extremely integral part of our organization. Often on the road or in their home offices across the country, they are our boots on the ground. They are the main touch point between us and all our customers. As with most businesses, our customers are the life force of our organization, and their day-to-day happiness has a direct correlation with how we grow and how fast we grow. We, therefore, tend to be selective with the amount and type of customers we have given that our sales organization needs to have the bandwidth to make them feel like we can adjust course when they need us to be nimble. 

Beyond selling, the sales team works cross-departmentally, from operations to make sure our scale of shipping is met; to marketing to make sure our brand, voice, and presence align with our consumers values; and our logistics and finance teams to make sure our weekly, monthly, and yearly goals are all on track for success. Categorized by different regions and markets, our Sales Team networks with all the top dogs in the CPG world, from small natural grocers to major mass retailers, to ensure that an assortment of products are visible and available for hungry shoppers everywhere.

Get to know the savvy sales team that gets the goods into your favorite stores!

 

Josh Reed – VP of Sales

 

When did you start working at LesserEvil? August 2020

What is your background (schooling, internships, previous jobs)? I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics & Biology. I have been in the Food & Beverage industry for over 12 years and have been fortunate to work with several great brands like Pirate’s Booty, BodyArmor, Saffron Road, & Barnana. Now with LesserEvil, I have developed a whole new love for building brands!

What made you choose this field? It chose me! I am a third generation in the CPG industry.

What is your favorite part about working at LesserEvil? Most importantly, the people and friendships that have been made. Celebrating mutual success. Seeing people grow their experience/careers and become extremely valuable within the organization that will continue to propel them in their future.

What does a typical day look like for you? In my position, there is most definitely no “typical” day. Every day comes with a new set of challenges and roadblocks, but that is what makes it fun!

What is your favorite LesserEvil snack? Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn will always be the GOAT!!

What is one concept, idea, or lesson you recently learned that you believe to be important enough to share? Good things don’t come easy. I have always said, “Hope is not a strategy.” Having success is up to you and the amount of effort you put in every day. It’s about having a genuine ability in learning from your mistakes. At the end of the day, there is no one that will fight your battles with the same devotion as you.

 

Mike Walker – Director of Sales, National

 

When did you start working at LesserEvil? September 2021

What is your background (schooling, internships, previous jobs)? 30+ years selling salty snacks.

What made you choose this field? I didn’t choose the field; it chose me. I worked with a beer company while in college and liked it. I sent my resume to a few food companies before I graduated, and Frito Lay gave me an offer.

What is your favorite part about working at LesserEvil? The people and culture.

What does a typical day look like for you? Walmart, Walmart, Walmart!

What is your favorite LesserEvil snack? Himalayan Pink Salt and Himalayan Gold Popcorn

What is one concept, idea, or lesson you recently learned that you believe to be important enough to share? Love people.

 
Corey Baker – Director of National Alt.
 

 

When did you start working at LesserEvil? January 2021

What is your background (schooling, internships, previous jobs)? I graduated from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) and worked at both a radio station and a really amazing unicorn of a company called Nebraska Furniture Mart before moving back to Colorado and beginning my career in CPG with Kellogg. I started in Sales Planning and Trade Management before moving to RXBAR, where I helped grow the west grocery business and eventually the west small format business.

What made you choose this field? I honestly fell in love with the industry during my time at Kellogg. Food is communal and something that is a huge part of our everyday lives. We need to eat to survive, but food is also part of our celebrations, memories, and how we show love to others. Sharing my work with others and seeing people enjoy our products is what makes this job so fun.

What is your favorite part about working at LesserEvil? There is a level of responsibility I feel in this industry to work for companies that are honest about what ingredients they use and the nutrition being provided. I want to grow companies that care just as much about how they are sourcing raw materials, the way they process those materials and the people producing the final products, as they do about how those products taste. That’s what brought me to LesserEvil, and that is what makes me love being here every day.

What does a typical day look like for you? Working in the Alt Channel is kind of the last frontier. We don’t always have regular reviews scheduled, and there are so many different touch points. My channel spans across E-Comm, Drug, C-Store, Airlines, Tech Companies, Hospitality, Food Service, Military, and so much more. A typical day usually involves working with my brokers on new opportunities, sending out samples, and connecting prospective companies with my distributor partners, and really just pushing Himalayan Pink anywhere I can. Success for my channel would mean seeing small bags of Himalayan Pink or Himalayan Gold everywhere customers want to buy snacks.

What is your favorite LesserEvil snack? I like to mix No Cheese Cheesiness and Himalayan Gold Popcorn. I love them both individually, but mixed together is the best!

What is one concept, idea, or lesson you recently learned that you believe to be important enough to share? The Danish concept of Hygge (which simply means coziness or comfort) is a practice of creating special spaces in your home, your mind, and your heart that give you a feeling of comfort and joy. It is about simple indulgences like candlelight and dessert, but it is also both about human connection in addition to solitude. It is about creating the spaces and making the time for all the things that give you a cozy peaceful feeling in mind, body, and spirit.  

 

Ryan Barrios – Director of Sales, East
 

 

When did you start working at LesserEvil? January 2021

What is your background (schooling, internships, previous jobs)? I went to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and studied Food Marketing. Prior to joining LesserEvil, I worked for Krave and SmashMallow and started my CPG career at Burris Logistics selling hundreds of branded items into Acme and Giant.

What made you choose this field? I love everything about food and this industry! I knew I wanted to get into the food industry, and once I had my first role at Krave in the CPG world, I knew it was for me!

What is your favorite part about working at LesserEvil?  The product and the people. Before joining LesserEvil, I would buy LesserEvil popcorn and Power Curls at my local Whole Foods multiple times throughout the week. I was a huge fan of the brand prior to joining the team! The people at LesserEvil play a huge role in why it’s so enjoyable to work here. There’s a family-like feel to the team, a team that can always rely on each other to help when needed.

What does a typical day look like for you? Every week and day is different! I’ll typically have calls throughout the week with our brokers or UNFI/KEHE account managers to work on salty and baby reviews. Also, I’m always looking to see where we can get off-shelf display opportunities for accounts in the East and Midwest to continue to help grow our brand awareness at key regional accounts.

What is your favorite LesserEvil snack? Watermelon popcorn and No Cheese Power Curls. I can crush a bag of each in one sitting, easily!

What is one concept, idea, or lesson you recently learned that you believe to be important enough to share? Over the last couple of years since I joined LesserEvil, it’s been amazing to see the steps on the operations side with us being vertically integrated. I’ve always worked with brands who use co-packers, so to see how it’s done from start to finish in our own factory has been a major eye-opening experience. I’ve learned so much from this team!

 

Kirsten Simmons – Director of Sales, West
 

 
 

When did you start working at LesserEvil? August 2022

What is your background (schooling, internships, previous jobs)? 10 years in the natural foods industry in sales.

What made you choose this field? Interest in natural foods and sustainability.

What is your favorite part about working at LesserEvil? The product – so delish!

What does a typical day look like for you? Lots of calls and emails from brokers, buyers, and my fellow coworkers as we work to fill voids, launch new items, and execute display programming.

What is your favorite LesserEvil snack? Himalayan Sweetness! It satisfies my sweet tooth without the guilt.

What is one concept, idea, or lesson you recently learned that you believe to be important enough to share? Don’t sweat the small stuff, and practice gratitude always.

 
Ed Santos – Western Regional Sales Manager
 

 

When did you start working at LesserEvil? 2015

What is your background (schooling, internships, previous jobs)? 44 years in the food business.

What made you choose this field? I love being a part of the ever-changing food industry.

What is your favorite part about working at LesserEvil? I love that teamwork plays a part in every phase of the company! There’s nothing like being a part of a great team that’s like family!

What does a typical day look like for you? Visiting the Independents in NorCal, taking care of Green Spoon reps in the West, and shipping samples to retailers and reps! Thinking of LesserEvil in the evening and waking up with a plan of spreading LesserEvil love!

What is your favorite LesserEvil snack? Himalayan Gold Popcorn.

What is one concept, idea, or lesson you recently learned that you believe to be important enough to share? Leave a footprint in the sand for others to follow. 

Dan Perreault – Regional Sales Manager

 

When did you start working at LesserEvil? August 2016

What is your background (schooling, internships, previous jobs)? Musician, Landscape Construction Foreman, Mechanical Production.

What made you choose this field? This was not a specific field that I ever thought I would pursue. I was working in manufacturing and was looking for another opportunity. The drummer of the band I was then playing in worked for Natural/Specialty Sales, he told me of a sales position that was open and I got the job. I learned, in turn, that I was good at it and here we are.

What is your favorite part about working at LesserEvil? Selling the absolute best products in their respective categories.

What does a typical day look like for you? Windshield view, walking, talking, selling, and winning.

What is your favorite LesserEvil snack? Either Himalayan Gold or the new Thrive Elote popcorn. Both are great flavors.

What is one concept, idea, or lesson you recently learned that you believe to be important enough to share? Get outside of your comfort zone. There is a whole new world out there to explore.

 

Sugar Cookie Popcorn Cupcakes 

By:  Sachi & pepa 

Featuring: LesserEvil Sugar Cookie Popcorn 

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 3/4 cup potato starch
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1⁄2 cup finely chopped Sugar Cookie Popcorn
  • 1⁄2 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 1 cup vegan powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tbsp non-dairy milk
  • 2-3 drops all natural red food coloring

Directions: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350. In a large bowl, mix together the non-dairy milk, applesauce, oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir to combine. Add in the dry ingredients from almond flour to sea salt and mix thoroughly, until there are no dry spots or lumps. Fold in the Sugar Cookie Popcorn. Scoop the batter into 12 lined cupcake tins. Bake on a center rack for 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely while you make the icing.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk and food coloring. Mix until completely combined the the frosting has a nice pink hue. If the icing gets too soft, place it in the refrigerator for up to 15 minutes. Using a star tip in a piping bag, pipe the icing onto the cooled cupcakes. Top with sprinkles and chopped Sugar Cookie Pop before serving.

Guru’s How To: Be One with the Gut! 

 

The glorious gut. The second brain of the body. The epicenter of health-related communication. It’s no surprise that your digestion is a huge indicator of the status of your system, and a healthy diet – free of gut-wrenching grains, excess sugars, and inflammatories – can substantially help ease debilitating issues. At LesserEvil, we’re super conscious about what we put into our snacks. We use clean ingredients such as coconut oil, avocado oil, cassava flour, pea protein, watermelon protein, and Himalayan pink salt to make the digestive system happy, not irritated! 

If you experience discomfort in the gut, you’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, “60 to 70 million people are affected by…digestive diseases” just within the United States. But isn’t it as easy as eating clean, getting some exercise in, and drinking lots of water? Sure, that’s a small portion of it. But Autumn Best, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP), and special guest on our Let’s Talk Sh*t series on Instagram, says “Digestion is so nuanced.” There’s so many fine details that go into the digestive system, but starting with some of these simple tricks can help offer some relief: chewing food thoroughly (to the extent of liquifying it) and without distraction, managing stress, and avoiding drinking a ton of water around meals. “Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes,” she goes on to say. Simply put, the length of time one has spent with old habits will factor into how long it’ll take to rebalance the system. 

If there is one thing the healing journey is not, it’s fad diets and “magic” pills. It’s vital to go back to the beginning and get to the foundation of the digestive system. Maddie Scannapieco, Certified Health Coach (CHC) and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), told us on Episode 4 of our series, Let’s Talk SH*T, that she believes in focusing on our ancestral roots. She is a big advocate for functional testing, including doing a full panel of blood work and stool testing to really find answers regarding infections, pathogens, overgrowth of bad bacteria, and inflammatory markers. With this approach, there’s concrete information to work with versus just taking guesses as to what the issue might be. 

With so many digestive-based disorders out there – most with similar symptoms – it’s best to get as close to a confirmed diagnosis as possible in order to practice the correct daily habits that will heal the issue at its core. Taking a deeper dive into all the possibilities out there, we’ve compiled a list of the most common diseases and a brief definition of each. Please note: this overview is not meant for self diagnosis, but rather just an insight into the kinds of digestive issues that exist.

  1. Acid Reflux – More scientifically known as Gastroesophageal Reflux, this reaction happens when your stomach contents rise back up into the esophagus. Some common symptoms include heartburn, acid indigestion, trouble swallowing, and the feeling of food caught in your throat. When symptoms become recurrent, a doctor may categorize it as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or (GERD). 
  2. Celiac Disease + Gluten IntoleranceGluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and even some oats, When consumed – especially by someone with an intolerance to it – it can cause damage to the small intestine, specifically to the villi, which are small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine and help to aid in nutrient absorption. There’s a range of sensitivities to gluten, from a minor intolerance to extensive complications.   
  3. Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically affecting the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. Symptoms of Crohn’s can come and go for periods of time (ranging from weeks to even years) and moreover, flare-ups (severe bouts of symptoms) can show up with no warning.
  4. Ulcerative Colitis –  A result of your immune system’s overactive response, this chronic disease of the large intestine occurs when the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and creates ulcers (tiny open sores).
  5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Causing a range of painful abdominal symptoms – from sharp pain, cramping, bloating, distention, fullness and even burning – IBS is a condition that is connected to the gut-brain interaction, specifically with how your gut and brain work together. Unlike some of the other diseases mentioned, IBS does not harm the intestines.
  6. Leaky Gut Syndrome – Our bodies have a highly specialized gastrointestinal system protected by a mucosal barrier. While it is semi-permeable, allowing important substances such as water and nutrients to enter, problems occur when the lining is breached, allowing unwelcomed toxins, antigens, and bacteria to enter (or “leak”) and wreak havoc. Causes for this can include alcohol consumption, poor diet, radiation therapy, and stress, just to name a few.  

With so many different diagnoses with similar uncomfortable symptoms, it can be difficult to pinpoint what’s actually happening. Rachel Straining, also known as The No Gluten Girl, understands this all too well. When she joined us in our Let’s Talk Sh*t series, she opened up about her agonizing experience with Crohn’s Disease. Early in high school, she spent 2 to 3 years in and out of hospitals searching for answers before she got diagnosed. One of the most unique symptoms she had – totally aside from excruciating pain in her stomach – was joint pain, a symptom that is often dismissed in digestive-based disorders. She missed out on many quintessential social rights of passages and had to maintain her school work while in the hospital, but she kept a positive attitude, using it to fuel her journey toward healing. She says getting creative with anti-inflammatory foods and focusing on what you can eat instead of what you cannot can change the mindset into a positive experience for someone going through food intolerances. With her social platform, she is able to bring this positivity and hope to others who are struggling with similar situations. 

If you are experiencing these symptoms and are not finding answers or the right people to connect with, you are not alone. Fortunately, there’s so much information out there and even better, people from all over the world who are experiencing these very issues. Just take a look at the amazing women we had on our Let’s Talk Sh*t series, who are part of that larger community and a great resource for ideas, help, and information. If you’re looking for more insight on all-things gut health and digestion, check out our Instagram where we continue the conversation with nutritionists, dietitians and more about what it takes to get a healthy gut!