Let’s talk about gut health and an AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!

HAPPY FRIDAY YOU GUYS!! We are talking about probiotics (deliciousness, Mango Coconut is my favorite), someone is going to be a big winner with this post and the difference between last September and this September!  This post is sponsored by KeVita!

PS this picture was from the day after Andrew and I got engaged when we were down in St. George:)  I always get excited (and so does my stomach) when I find KeVita all over the place.

My oh my a lot has sure happened in a year (like that whole getting married thing… thanks for joining us on this whole thing recently).

Do you remember last September?  Just in case you are a newish reader I will catch you up—> September was a rough one.  My mom suffered a stroke which caused some permanent eye sight loss (we were all worried sick), my dating life at that point reached an all time low, I didn’t sleep well and I had a few other things going on in life that weren’t great.   One really great thing at the time was that my training for the St. George Marathon was going really well.  I was hitting splits I never thought possible for me and knocking out each and every workout that my coach assigned.  I set a 2+ minute PR in the 1/2 marathon and I was injury-free (for the first time during marathon training in forever:)  I knew that the sub 3 I had dreamed about for years was in my reach.

And then I started feeling sick all of the time and super nauseated.  Anything that I ate hurt.  I went around to different instacares for answers until I finally got into a gastroenterologist.  At that point I pretty much stopped running all together because I felt so sick and the second I ate, pretty much anything, my stomach would bloat out to look like I was quite pregnant.  My doctor scheduled a scope for me just a day before my marathon and the results were an ulcer, gastritis and some intestinal issues… he told me if I even tried to run the marathon (my body was so worn down and weak at this point) that I would end up in an ambulance instead.  I didn’t run the marathon and I cried and cried thinking about how close I was to my hitting my goal.  Instead of crossing the finish line that morning, I was barely able to get up from my couch.  My doctor worked with me a lot with different medications that I needed and I did end up running a marathon 2 months later in 3:10 but looking back it felt like it took much longer for my gut to heal.

The biggest thing that my doctor stressed to me as a lifelong thing in regards to my GI problems was to make sure that I took live probiotics REGULARLY.

So why are live probiotics so ridiculously good for us—>  They are small microorganisms that help maintain balance in the human digestive system, and promote healthy immune function (yes, please).  Probiotics are a really important component to a health lifestyle (especially w/70% of your immune system living in your gut!!!!).  Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that lines the intestines= healthier digestion.   Live Probiotics have been the one thing that I’ve really stuck with over this last year and I will be sticking with them for life because I do notice how much they have helped my GI health.

By far my favorite and tastiest way to get in live probiotics to keep my gut happier has been KeVita.

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PS This September has a much better story;)  I am now married to Andrew, gained the best step-son, my mom is doing so much better and I’m going to make it to the St. George Marathon.

The things I make him do hahaha.

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Something that I really realized when going through everything with my stomach problems was —>  when we have a healthy gut we are able to absorb the important and essential nutrients in our diet.  As runners, we need all the absorption possible with these key nutrients to keep us running healthy and injury free.  Without proper absorption, how the heck are we supposed to recover after our hard workouts!!!

PLUS, a happy gut helps our mood too!!

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A little about the KeVita Sparkling Probiotic Drinks —> I’m a huge fan of their fruit flavor and they are super refreshing after a run or at the beach or wherever you need a delicious break:)  They come naturally fermented with a Water Kefir Culture and they have 4 strains of live probiotics and 4 billion CFUs (to help support your digestive and immune health).  And in case you are wondering, they are certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, non-dairy, vegan, low-calorie and kosher.  The flavors are all super unique which makes me even more excited to drink one because they are so different than any other flavors I eat/drink (for example they have a Lemon Cayenne one and Mojito Lime Mint Coconut that I love).

Brooke could live at the beach.  Each and every wave seriously made her life.  What is it about the beach that just rejuvenates us?  We picked up a few for our beach day and they were perfect.

ALWAYS refreshing.

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I stick with the Sparkling Probiotic Drinks but the KeVita Master Brew Kombucha is naturally energizing with organic caffeine.  It comes in all sorts of flavors like Ginger, Pineapple Peach and Raspberry Lemon and their newest flavors—> Citrus, Dragonfruit Lemongrass, and Mango Habanero.  They contain 2 strains of live probiotics and also 4 Billion CFUs (they are also enriched with B vitamins).

The KeVita Master Brew Kombucha also has beneficial organic acids which help feed the good bacteria in your gut, so that probiotics can improve digestion.  Win-win.

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And in case you are wondering the difference between KeVita and other brands…. The Master Brew Kombucha has 6x the Beneficial Organic Acids per bottle compared to leading brands of Kombucha.  It has 2x the Live Probiotics too!  It is naturally energizing with organic caffeine vs leading competitors with zero caffeine.  PS It is also verified nonalcoholic (other leading brands may contain alcohol).

Time for the GIVEAWAY!!!!

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One lucky reader will win THREE MONTHS of KeVita!!!

Use the KeVita social app below to enter this incredible giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure to check out the #InnerSelfie app and tag #InnerSelfie !!! —>  It’s what’s inside that counts… SHARE YOUR #INNERSELFIE. Go HERE to share a few words and photo that describes YOU!   For each inner selfie shared, KeVita will donate $1 to the Gastric Cancer Foundation!!!

ReVitalize from the inside out and try out KeVita and let me know what you think!  Re-energize that body of yours so you can keep on logging those miles and doing whatever things you love.

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Ever had something health-wise or injury-wise that made it so that you had to miss a race? Let’s talk GI problems… ever struggled with any?  How did it effect your running and what do you do to help? Have any allergies to any foods?   How does stress effect your overall health now?  

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38 comments

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ankle sprain and tendonitis have caused me to miss a race or two.
I tend to get the usual stomach issues from stress. And sometimes shortness of breath and a racing heart if it’s really heavy duty stress.

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So it’s kind of ironic that you posted this because I’ve been struggling this week specifically with horrible stomach issues. I haven’t been able to eat anything normal except liquids because I feel so ill after eating something. I went to urgent care on Tuesday and they thought I just had a kidney stone. Over the years I thought my stomach issues were because of PCOS but maybe I should be checking out a gastroenterologist instead. Great read, definitely made me rethink what I’m currently doing about my issues. Thanks girl!

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It was actually recommended for me to take probiotics after getting my blood work done. So far I’ve been taking them for about 5 weeks now and I’m honestly not sure if they have made a few difference for me. I do feel pretty good but I can’t say for sure its from probiotics. This does look good so maybe I’ll have to try them out and see if it makes a difference.

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I have literally been toying with taking probiotics these days and I am now on board haha! I’ve had a scope done as well and had similar issues to you actually, so I’m eager to see if the probiotics make anything different! I’ve never thought of drinking them before, but I see this stuff all over the place, so i’m willing to give it a shot haha.

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I’ve been really lucky and have never missed a race due to injury or illness. I don’t have any allergies (apart from seasonal allergies) and I also don’t struggle with GI problems (except the occasional bathroom emergency while running!). But I’m always looking for ways to improve my overall health so loved hearing about the benefits of probiotics! Thanks for sharing!

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YES…I have struggled with gut/GI issues! Just yesterday at work a co-worker asked the “generic question” that we all do to be kind…”How are you?” ….To her surprise I answered, “Well, actually I am really bloated and have been for a couple of days.”

Then we laughed really hard because it was NOT what she was expecting to hear. Now I am thinking about my eats and drinks lately and I haven’t had many probiotics….isn’t that ironic???

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Last weekend my boyfriend and I took a quick trip to Salt Lake City/Provo/Park City. Before heading to Park City, we did an adventure day in your town. Our adventured started out with a 12 mile bike ride followed by 2 miles of kayaking. I believe our bike ride was the same route you take on your runs. I’m completely jealous of the scenery you have on your runs. Utah is a beautiful state!!!

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I’ve never had to miss a race because of an injury, but I did run NYCM with drop foot (not so fun) and I did a marathon double (two marathons in two states in two days) with c. diff. Also not so fun. I did have approval from my doc to do them as long as I took it easy and promised to stop if I wasn’t feeling right. Now I take probiotics regularly, which has helped and I’m more conscious about what I’m putting in my body (like antibiotics). Glad this September is much better for you than last! :)

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I’m allergic to watermelon and walnuts. I know, the watermelon thing sucks. But I haven’t eaten it in years because it makes my throat itch, (so good thing that’s the only reaction) allergies suck.

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I’ve only missed a race due to my hip being to tight! Disappointed for sure!
I ran a half marathon in April this year. Haven’t been able to run since July due to GI issues. I hurt and bloat when I eat but every test they do I look great? Take probiotics but no difference is noted. Hopefully it will be figured out soon so I can get back to the trails! This is my favorite time of the year!

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I’m a big fan of probiotics, 70% of our immune system is located in the gut. That’s reason enough to keep things healthy. I had my husband eat yogurt during his chemo treatments (it’s one form of probiotics he likes and the doc couldn’t complain about). He might actually like the sparkling drink, we’ll have to try it.

I had a hip injury which squashed last year’s marathon and this year it’s a partial fascia tear in my foot. It stinks, to put it mildly.

Stress kills my stomach and my sleep. I add yoga before bed when I’m particularly stressed and I take magnesium, both of which relax me and help me sleep.

Wheat makes me very tired and dairy makes my face break out. (I’m vain enough to give it up or have it occasionally, no matter how much I like cheese).

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Some people can eat whatever they want, get little sleep and still hit fast splits. That is TOTALLY not me!!! I have to get 8 hrs (especially when stressed) and I have to eat plant based so I can just function normally! I have a digestive condition where I can’t digest fats normally so when I get too much fat in my system (good or bad fats) then I throw up for a few days (and am in the bathroom ;)!

You are going to rock the ST. George Marathon!!!!! SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!! So happy to see how different this year has been for you compared to last year!!!

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I discovered kombucha a couple years ago and love it! I didn’t start drinking it simply for the health benefits but I actually like the taste of some of the flavors. Ginger is one of my favorites! The health benefits are an added bonus!

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I broke my hand and had surgery right before the Heavenly Half, so I sort of walked/jogged it. The next year I tore my plantar fascia right before the same race. I will never register for that race again!

I have IBS and it is greatly affected by stress and my diet. In a perfect world, I would totally cut out gluten, sugar, and stress because my gut doesn’t like it. I do try and really watch what I eat the day before a long run and the week or two before a long run. I also take probiotics and that helps a bit.

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I’ve never tried this brand before, but it looks amazing! Thanks for sharing Janae :)

I almost had to miss my half marathon because of tendinitis. (I got injured 2 1/2 weeks out from the race!) thank goodness it healed quickly and I was able to race! I even won my age division, which was a big surprise!

Can’t wait to hear all about how your marathon goes- you are going to kill it!

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Janae you’re a lifesaver!! I was diagnosed with celiac disease last year and have cut out gluten for the past 9 months, yet i’m still having all kinds of GI and bloating issues. this might be the answer because at this point i’m tired of looking for answers lol

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a week before my second half, I was visiting my parents in florida, jumped off their boat into the water, and the current swept me back and I kicked the boat, breaking my foot. not fun!

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My gasrto recommended probiotics too for the same issues…bloating and nausea anytime I ate. I was actually eating too much fiber! I was also consuming a lot of green juices to get extra iron…but it was not making my digestive system happy.
I take a probiotic daily and also drink Kevita (mango coconut and lime mint mojito are my faves). I find they make a huge difference in how I feel. And I have so much more energy since I am actually absorbing nutrients and my body is no longer in a constant state of battling itself and fighting inflammation.

Thanks for this post and giveaway, Janae!

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I would love love to win this!! I was introduced to KEVITA a few months ago… lemon cayenne is my favvv!! It’s kind of expense where I live if I can even find it so winning 3 months worth would be so awesome!!!
Can’t believe how much has you’ve been thru in a year! Love following your journey! :)

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Last March I had a malignant melanoma removed in the middle of my first full-marathon training. I was scheduled to do my 20-mile run that week, but the incision with its twelve stitches meant no running for two weeks. I tried to get right back into it, but my IT band messed up, so I dropped back to a half. It took months of swimming and light running to get it back in order… And then I got pregnant. Haha! One day I will get my first full. I do appreciate learning about probiotics. My gas has always been painful and disruptive, but I haven’t found the willingness to spend money on probiotics yet. The older I get (31 now) the more necessary they will become, so I have to get educated and brave about using them regularly. I look forward to hearing about your marathon this fall! I find your trials and overcoming very inspirational, so thank you for sharing!

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I have tried this drink before and have added kombucha and probiotics to my diet. Just today I was searching things online about stomach distress. It seems as soon as I eat anything I start feeling unsettled and bloated. I can’t figure it out. I’ve eliminated different things and it hasn’t seemed to help. It seems every day I go to be nauseated anymore. I need to go back and look at some of your past posts if you talk more about your GI issues and how you’ve gotten better.

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I hurt my hamstring and had not dare to run in the last two days for fear of hurting it further. Life is different when one does not get to run.

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Hey janae! Where is your crossbody from in the first picture? Thanks!

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I almost had to cancel a race because I bumped my toe real bad, but fortunately it healed up (kinda!) before race day. I got lucky. Nothing else health-wise has impacted my running so far (knock on wood)…. but I did have some GI issues a few years back (which I was told had to do with a bacteria). Not had any issues since then… but I just tried the KeVita probiotic drinks and I must say they are delicious and refreshing! Would love to win a three month supply :)

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I love that Kevita is one of your partners! They’ve been one of my fav drinks for a while, and great during pregnancy! (I also stick to the regular ones without caffeine). The strawberry coconut is my favorite! Stress totally affects me in bizarre ways because I tend to keep it inside. Maintaining a healthy diet has been key to help managing it as best I can. I’m so glad you’re telling people about kevita! Way to go Janae!! :)

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Great post! I have a gluten intolerance and I noticed if I accidently eat something with gluten in it and drink one of these bad boys and it helps tremendously!

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Love Kevita…I drink it every day! My favorite is the blueberry/cherry…or the Meyer lemon (this one also has apple cider vinegar) I can find them on sale at Whole Foods occasionally for 2/$5…i stock up then!

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I discovered I had IBS during my second half Marathon 5 years ago . Everytime I would go for a run my stomach would revolt against me. I actually got pretty sick during that race and had to walk some it due to my stomach and a strained IT band.A colonoscopy confirmed in a couple of months later. I am now Dairy and gluten free.
In September of the following year I had a major knee surgery that left me unable to run for over 2 years. BUT I am about to run in my first half since then on October 1st in New York and I am super excited. My stomach has been acting up again and also my hair has been falling out for months now and it is getting pretty bad. After reading this post I am thinking it may have something to do with my gut. Thank you for this and I will keep you posted on my race and if my hair gets better. I am for sure going to try the Kevita.
:)
Karen

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This looks great, such a shame it’s not available in the UK! We do have some probiotic drinks (mainly yoghurts), but other types of probiotics don’t seem to be as big as they are in the US. I have to say I’ve never really paid much attention to probiotics, but looking at the comments here I’m starting to think I should. I got a really bad (year -long) stomach problem when I was living in Colombia, and i was definitely more tuned in to everything, including eating lots of yoghurts and fermented food. Maybe probiotics would help me now!

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I really need to try KeVita out, I just got through a treatment for lymes disease so my good gut flora is totally dead lol. Sadly I don’t have a device to post to Instagram so no winning for me, I’ll just have to track it down somewhere else :-) Oh and mango coconut sounds amazing, 2 best flavors everrrrr

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Oh my YES girl! Korean moms talk about GI issues ALL THE TIME (and in public!!) so I’ve been trained to regularly discuss such matters with my doc.

My momma has Crohn’s disease – so proper digestion and GI issues are even more on her mind during her flair ups.

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I used to take a probiotic in a tablet form but wasn’t sure i was seeing any results. i do notice i am constantly bloated (pregnant looking) every time i eat, it’s depressing. i always have stomach issues on a run as well no matter what i do. i would love to try KeVita just have a few questions if you have a moment to help. do you drink just one per day or does it matter how many and when do you drink them? mornings, before a run or after? does it matter? thank you for your post on this.

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Do you take probiotics pill or just drink that drink?

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I would love to try this out as I think a healthy gut is SO important. Fingers crossed for a win :)

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I’m so glad things are going so well this training cycle. I’m sending happy, injury/issue-free thoughts your way!

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I’m just getting into this gut health world with a daily probiotic and Kombucha and I’m loving it!!!!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!! Awesome prize!

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Did I miss the winner of this contest?

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I start to notice every time I ate dairy I would look puffy and bloated.
I really really swear by KeVita drinks my favorite is lemon ginger loveeee it!
If I just drink one of these a week it is a big difference for me over all.

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