Nutrition Expert

Katie Gravante, CL. N., CNC

Meet the Expert: Katie Gravante, CL. N., CNC, is a clinical nutritionist with Immunity Health Spa who has worked in the medical field for 30 years in both traditional medicine and functional medicine. She focuses on healing the body through a diagnostic and holistic approach that combines proper testing, supplementation, detoxification, dietary changes, and other supportive therapies and modalities. 

What is the gut-brain connection and how does this impact our everyday lives and health?

A: The gut-brain connection is the two-way communication system between the digestive tract and the brain. The gut and brain are constantly sending signals back and forth through nerves, hormones, immune pathways, and chemicals produced by the gut microbe. When this is disrupted, we present with more symptoms like brain fog, low energy, mood changes, poor sleep, weight gain, bloating, digestion problems, low stress tolerance, compromised immune system, lowered ability to prevent disease and premature aging. 

How can colonics release built-up waste and restore balance?

A: We use closed system colonics, a therapy that addresses a range of issues. During treatment, filtered, temperature-controlled water is gently introduced into the large intestines at low pressure through a small rectal tube. The water helps soften and loosen stool, and the body’s natural contractions help move waste out through the tubing system. It can help restore balance by assisting the body’s natural elimination process, relieving stool buildup, and creating gut awareness, which influences every cell in the body. Also, during colonics it’s great to introduce implants of nutrients that are immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and stimulate the liver to cleanse and detox. Most people feel an immediate improvement with energy, mental clarity, and reduction of bloating after the first session. 

Who should consider using this treatment?

A: Anyone could truly benefit from colonics, but there are some common signs that you may need treatment, including:

• Constipation 
• Fatigue 
• Bad Breath 
• Body Odor
• Skin Issues 
• Bloating 
• Headaches 
• Mental Fog 
• Low Energy

What are ways to better support our health knowing the immune system is housed in the gut and most disease processes begin there?

It’s not just one supplement or one dietary change that can take care of the requirements of a strong gut and immune system. We need multiple approaches to support cleansing the entire body system and energizing our cellular health to stay strong and detox pathways clear. We have brought all of these to Immunity’s offerings:

• Body massage, scrubs and wraps
• Sauna, Cryotherapy (Dual Chamber Electric and cold plunge) 
• Steam and Hot tub
• Colonics
• IV Therapy
• Redlight therapy
• Hormones/Nutritional testing and support
• Weekly and Monthly Cleansing Programs