House of Clarity x Keli Thompson. Gut expert and founder of Nutrition with Keli

As part of our Wellbeing segment for January we sat down with Keli Thompson, founder of @Nutritionwithkeli and expert in gut health. Join us as we dig a little deeper into gut health, bio-hacking and the foods we should really be focusing on…

Thank you for joining us! It’s a pleasure to be talking with you. Well, where do we start, why don’t you first tell how did Nutrition with Keli come to be and what do you offer?

“Having personally supported numerous clients facing issues such as skin irritations, sugar cravings, allergies, fatigue, weight challenges, mood fluctuations, sleep disturbances, bowel inflammation, high blood pressure, bloating, constipation, and various other health concerns, I bring a wealth of experience as a gut health specialist.

My approach involves offering comprehensive and personalised one-on-one coaching programs designed to facilitate impactful changes in diet and lifestyle. Within the program, we establish a resilient foundation to promote improvements in both gut health and overall well-being. It provides an opportunity to cultivate a new mindset, fostering enduring and healthy changes step by step.

I guide individuals in understanding the significance of specific gut-healthy foods, instilling a love for nourishing choices that contribute to internal and external well-being. My mission is to ensure that these positive changes not only occur but become sustainable, seamlessly integrating into your daily routine and becoming a lifelong part of your lifestyle. Embracing this long-term mindset involves phased changes that embed themselves for a lifetime, just as they have for me.”

I feel that gut health has previously been something we have all really overlooked, or more so not understood but now the conversations are getting louder and i’ve heard more mention of bio-hacking. Can you tell us more about this? What is it?

“Biohacking involves making changes to your lifestyle, diet and environment to help optimise your body and mind. This includes practices such as monitoring health metrics, enhancing sleep, and experimenting with dietary adjustments. Awareness of biohacking is crucial, and it empowers individuals to proactively manage their own health and well-being.”

That’s so interesting, I think it’s incredible that it’s no longer a one size fits all approach to nutrition. I know you’ve touched upon gut-health but how does it impact the rest of our bodies? 

“Optimising gut health has a profound impact on the overall well-being of the body. A healthy gut microbiome, full of beneficial bacteria, plays a pivotal role in various bodily functions. It can improve digestion and nutrient absorption to support better energy levels and overall vitality.

A balanced gut contributes to a stronger immune system, aiding in the body’s defence against infections and illnesses. Brain health is intricately linked to gut health, with a flourishing microbiome positively influencing mood and cognitive function. Weight management becomes more achievable as a well-balanced gut microbiota regulates metabolism and helps prevent inflammation.

Furthermore, skin conditions and heart health can also benefit from a thriving gut. By nurturing gut health through a combination of a diverse and nutritious diet, lifestyle choices and elements of biohacking, individuals can positively influence multiple systems throughout your body, contributing to a healthier and more resilient overall well-being.”

Wow! I definitely feel this is something I’d love to understand more about myself. I didn’t realise how connected and impactful the gut really is! As a newbie to this, where do I begin, what are your tips?

– Start with small, sustainable changes.
– Focus on a diverse and balanced diet.
– Stay hydrated.
– Incorporate regular physical activity.
– Prioritise sleep.
– Improve stress management.
– Consider consulting a professional such as myself for personalised guidance.

Amazing. I’m going to give it a go. Now where would I start with my shopping list? What foods do you suggest buying to support gut health?

– Probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso.
– Prebiotic foods: Garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, and whole grains.
– Fibre-rich foods: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

As a nutritionist i’m intrigued to hear your opinion on alcohol free beverages, do you think there is an advantage to opting out?  

“Yes, some of the more premium products have numerous benefits such as being low-calorie, supporting weight management and others are Organic, minimising exposure to synthetic pesticides, offering a healthier option. o% options are suitable for individuals who want to avoid alcohol completely, whether that’s for personal, health, during pregnancy or nursing. It can contribute to overall hydration, as alcoholic drinks can have a dehydrating effect.”

It’s great to hear you thoughts, I also believe you tried our Prima Pave, which is in fact Italy’s most awarded non alcoholic sparkling wine. I’m excited to hear, what are your thoughts? 

“GORGEOUS! I loved the vibrant fruit and floral notes. It’s an absolute delight on the palate with a crisp and mouthwatering finish. Without a doubt – a must-buy!”

Amazing! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Well, it’s been a pleasure to speak with you. As we’re coming to the end of January i’m sure you’ve already begun planning some great things for the year ahead. Tell us what can we expect from you in 2024?

“In the upcoming year, my goal is to assist more people in finding a healthier and happier self, with a specific focus on aiding those with skin complications to reduce their dependence on medications. This emphasis resonates with my own journey, where prioritising gut health allowed me to eliminate the need for medication.

On a personal note, my goal is to consistently activate the sleep mode on my phone by 9pm, improving both the duration and quality of my sleep, especially during the deep (REM) phase. Additionally, I prioritise actively managing stress levels by intentionally engaging with stressful situations, using a wearable to closely track stress throughout the day. It’s intriguing to review and identify stress-inducing moments and recognise the potential inflammation it can cause.

Specialising in premium alcohol-free beverages, our collection comprises the best luxury alternatives on the international market, boasting an array of benefits. such as being vegan, gluten-free, halal-certified and low-calorie. We work nationally with high-end retailers, hospitality brands and entertainment venues to provide inclusivity amongst their guest experiences and to present consumers with the privilege of choice. In addition, we work on wellbeing and sustainability campaigns with brands to promote a more conscious manner of consumption whether that be during events, socials or through corporate gifting. Finally, we also have an eCommerce website that supports the growth of our exclusive brand partners and provides education for this growing sector.”

 

Well, thank you again so much for your time Keli and good luck with all the amazing things to come this year!