What do cancer, autoimmune diseases, allergies, mental health and fertility all have in common? The gut. Your microbiome does everything from digesting food to absorbing minerals to regulating your immune system and your hormones. All disease begins in the gut… and that’s where healing begins as well. So in this week’s episode we couldn’t wait to interview an international expert on the topic of gut health, Katherine Maslen.   Katherine got into nutrition after witnessing a close friend’s journey through lupus, an autoimmune disease. As she got sicker, her medicine cabinet grew, yet none of these medications had any positive effect on her health. She passed away at just 52. Katherine knew there had to be a better way. This is what led her to create the Shift Clinic, an international wellness company that is changing the face of health and empowering people to take control of their healing journey.   Katherine’s tips for rebalancing your microbiome, improving your fertility, detoxing, and boosting your wellbeing:   Avoid plastics - these are endocrine disrupters, which means they mess up your hormones. Avoid pesticides - go organic instead (check out the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and clean Fifteen lists). Avoid gluten and dairy. Drink purified, filtered water - around 8 cups a day. Fill up on fiber (gluten free whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables) - it binds to toxins and takes them out of the body. Balance is everything - if you fancy a glass of wine, go for it (just make sure it’s organic and vegan). Focus on the emotional connection. Check out Katherine’s book Get Well Stay Well to discover the secrets to get back in touch with your body and start thriving. Listen to the Shift Podcast.   Being hailed as “Sex and the City for Food,” The Food Heals Podcast brings together experts in the field of nutrition, health and healing to teach you the best-kept natural secrets to being a hotter, healthier, happier YOU!   The Food Heals Podcast is hosted by Allison Melody and Suzy Hardy – two self-proclaimed natural chicks who will rock your world and change your beliefs about health! This sexy, savvy duo provides eco-friendly advice on a variety of issues including the healing power of nutrition, living authentically, turning your passion into your career, choosing the best natural health and beauty products, the benefits of a plant-based diet and so much more!