EMBRACE HEALTH

Beyond Food

Besides food, gut health is also impacted by other activities. Dr. Mele notes that diet allows beneficial gut bacteria to flourish, while exercising provides benefits like reducing stress, depression and anxiety while releasing feel-good endorphins. Prioritizing sleep is also important. Too-little sleep leads to excess stress hormones, and allows food and toxins to pass into the bloodstream. “This then can lead to a host of issues including bloating, inflammation, stomach pains, food sensitivities and changes to the gut microbiome.” Hormones can signal sleep-deprived people to choose the quick energy of unhealthy processed carbs, sugar and trans fats. To help people pursue optimal wellness, Dr. Mele founded My Gut Instinct, a nonprofit with a mission

“to collaboratively inspire and empower our community to embrace health and eat and live better for longevity, and increase awareness of preventable diseases that impact community health.” The group has a wellness blog at mygutinstinct.org and is active on social media.

In March, for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, they host the UNDY Ride 500, in partnership with Classic Harley-Davidson. “Most people don't know that colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States or that it's highly preventable,” says Dr. Mele. At the event, “anyone is invited to walk/run/do a ride (using any two wheelers) on the Harley riding course wearing their underwear (on top of your clothes, on your handlebars, on your head, whatever you wish!) to raise awareness of this important disease.” Donations are also collected to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Each year, the nonprofit also hosts a Guts and Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo. Their 10 th annual expo will be held at Penn State Berks on Sept. 23, 2023. “Guts and Glory is a celebration festival showcasing the beauty of health and longevity not just within an individual, but also the health of a community and community relationships,” says Dr. Mele. Visitors can purchase fresh produce and taste local cuisine, watch fitness demonstrations, and enjoy music and dancing that showcases diverse Berks cultures. “We also host a large inflatable “Mega” Colon exhibit, which provides visitors with an interactive, educational experience of