Tag: ostomy nurse

Supplements I Actually Recommend (and the Ones I Don’t) 💊✨

Posted in Skin care-gut connection1 Comment

Hey there, fellow wellness warriors! As a nurse, rocking my 40s while juggling skin, guts, and everything in between—I’m here to spill the tea ☕ on supplements. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, confused, or end up with a cabinet full of pills you never touch. So, let’s cut through the noise with some nurse-approved, gut-friendly, skin-loving supplement wisdom. Ready? Let’s dive in!

What I Actually Recommend ✅

1. Vitamin C — Your Skin’s Bestie 🍊
Vitamin C isn’t just for fighting colds. It’s a powerhouse antioxidant that boosts collagen production, helping your skin stay plump and wrinkle-resistant. Plus, it supports immune health and wound healing—crucial if you’re managing any skin or ostomy-related care.

2. Magnesium — The “Chill Pill” Mineral 🧘‍♀️
Magnesium helps with muscle relaxation, sleep quality, and even gut motility (hello, morning poops!). Many adults are deficient, so a supplement can help keep your digestion smooth and your stress levels down.

3. Probiotics — The Gut’s Cheerleaders 🦠
A good probiotic can support a balanced microbiome, which we know plays a role in everything from digestion to skin health. Not all probiotics are created equal, so choose strains backed by science (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium).

4. Zinc — Healing Hero ⚡
Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, and can even reduce inflammation in skin conditions. Just be mindful not to overdo it—balance is key!

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids — Skin & Gut Superstars 🐟
Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and keep skin supple and hydrated. I recommend getting these from high-quality fish oil or plant-based alternatives if you’re vegan.

What I’m Not Sold On ❌

1. Collagen Supplements — Meh, Maybe? 🤷‍♀️
While collagen is essential for skin and wound healing, taking it as a pill or powder doesn’t always guarantee it’ll reach your skin intact. Your body breaks it down into amino acids like any protein. Focus more on a balanced diet with protein-rich foods.

2. Detox Teas & Quick-Fix Supplements 🚫
If it sounds too good to be true—like “flush toxins in 3 days”—it probably is. Your liver and kidneys do a stellar job detoxing; no magic potion required.

3. Over-the-Top Multivitamins 🧪
A mega-dose multivitamin can sometimes do more harm than good. Excess fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, K) can build up and cause problems. Stick to targeted supplements based on your needs.

My Nurse-to-You Advice 💡

  • Supplements can be great, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Your gut and skin thrive on good food, hydration, sleep, and stress management.
  • Always check with your healthcare provider before starting anything new—especially if you have an ostomy, chronic condition, or take medications.
  • What works for me or my patients might not be your perfect fit—everyone’s gut and skin story is unique!

⚠️ Disclaimer: Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉
This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist, or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy.

In a nutshell: Choose your supplements wisely, listen to your body, and remember — the best glow comes from a happy gut and a nourished soul! 🌟💪

Would you like me to suggest some specific supplement brands or recipes that support gut and skin health? Just ask! 😊

Nurse Life Wellness: 5 Simple Habits That Keep Me Going 👩‍⚕️💪💧🧴🥗💤

Posted in Skin care-gut connectionLeave a comment

Let’s face it—nurse life is go-go-go, with a side of “did I even pee today?” If you’re a fellow nurse, you already know the hustle. And if you’re not, welcome to a peek inside the caffeine-fueled, compression-sock-wearing world we live in. As a wound and ostomy care nurse in my 40s (aka Team Skin & Poop Forever), I’ve learned that if I don’t intentionally care for myself, I’m basically a wound waiting to happen.

So here it is: my five non-negotiable wellness habits that help me stay sane, energized, and skin-glow ready—even after back-to-back shifts, charting marathons, and the occasional code brown 💩.

1. Hydration Like It’s My Job 💧

You’ve heard it before—but are you actually doing it? I used to tell patients to hydrate while nursing a 5-hour-old iced coffee. Now, I keep a big, straw-top water bottle with me always. Dehydration doesn’t just mess with energy—it slows digestion, dries out skin, and increases fatigue (aka nurse Kryptonite). Bonus: well-hydrated skin heals faster. Yes, even Grandma’s elbow knows.

Pro tip: Add electrolytes for long shifts or hot units.

2. Magnesium = My Gut MVP 🧠💩

Stress + inconsistent meals = gut drama. And let’s not even talk about night shifts. Magnesium glycinate or citrate helps keep my motility on point and my poops regular without being too harsh (especially helpful for ostomy folks too!). My skin even looks calmer when my gut’s happy.

3. Skin Care: The 3-Minute Nurse Version 🧴✨

Here’s the deal: you don’t need a 15-step Korean skincare routine. I swear by this trio:

  • Gentle cleanser (because hospital air = yuck)
  • Vitamin C serum (brightens, boosts healing)
  • Mineral sunscreen (for that hospital parking lot sun)

Even after a 12-hour shift in a mask, your skin can bounce back with just a little consistency. Don’t skip sunscreen, even if you never see the light of day during your shift. That fluorescent lighting still ages you, friend. 😏

4. Meal Prep That Loves My Gut (and Skin) 🥗

I try to prep 2-3 gut-friendly meals/snacks that are easy to grab. Think:

  • Greek yogurt + chia + berries (probiotics + fiber)
  • Roasted veggies + quinoa + salmon (skin fuel!)
  • A stash of almonds and dark chocolate in my locker (don’t judge, it’s balance)

I avoid overly processed snacks that mess with my gut (and cause breakouts) and aim for meals that keep my blood sugar steady and my mood less hangry.

5. Sleep, Even If It’s Weirdly Scheduled 😴

I know, I know—night shift ruins everything. But I treat sleep like medicine. Eye mask. White noise. Magnesium at night. No scrolling before bed. When I’m well rested, I’m kinder, quicker on my feet, and my skin isn’t screaming “fatigue” from across the nurse’s station.

Bonus: Laugh Often & Poop Regularly 😄💩

Listen, I talk about poop for a living—might as well have fun with it. Nurse burnout is real, but wellness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about building realistic habits that keep your gut happy, your skin glowing, and your energy up. You don’t need perfection. Just progress.

⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉)
This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist, or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy.

From Wounds to Wrinkles: What Wound Care Has Taught Me About Skin Aging 👩‍⚕️💉➡️🧴✨

Posted in Skin care-gut connection, Wound CareLeave a comment

Let’s connect the dots between wound healing and skin aging—because yes, there’s more overlap than you’d think. As a wound and ostomy nurse in my fabulous 40s (with a minor obsession for all things gut, glow, and glutes 😅), I’ve spent years studying how skin heals—and spoiler alert: that knowledge also changed how I see wrinkles, serums, and my morning SPF routine.

So buckle up, skin lovers and gut nerds. We’re diving into why wound care wisdom is basically anti-aging gold.

💡 Wound Healing = Real-Time Skin Science

When I treat a wound, I’m watching the body work overtime to repair and regenerate. The same cells and signals responsible for closing a wound are also involved in keeping your skin plump, firm, and glowing. But here’s the catch: they slow down with age, inflammation, and (yep) poor nutrition.

Wrinkle 101?
It’s basically a tiny wound your skin doesn’t bother to heal anymore. Rude.

Here’s What Wound Care Taught Me About Skin Aging 👇

1. Hydration Is Non-Negotiable 💦

Whether it’s a dry wound bed or a dry T-zone, moisture is magic. Dehydrated skin = delayed healing AND faster aging. Your barrier function suffers, collagen breaks down, and fine lines look like they’ve been zoomed in. Drink water like it’s your job. And yes, that hydrating serum helps too.

2. Inflammation Is the Enemy 🔥

Chronic inflammation slows wound healing and accelerates aging (a process scientists call inflammaging—cute name, not cute on your face). Sugar, processed foods, stress, lack of sleep? All inflammatory triggers. Swap ‘em for berries, leafy greens, turmeric, and sleep. Your wounds AND wrinkles will thank you.

3. Protein = Collagen Fuel 🥚🐟

You can’t rebuild skin without amino acids. Wounds need protein to heal. Skin needs it to stay firm and bouncy. Low protein intake = saggy vibes. Get in your lean meats, beans, tofu, eggs, collagen powders—whatever works for you.

4. Sun Protection is Essential ☀️🧴

Wounds + sun = darker scars. Skin + sun = deeper wrinkles. Every wound nurse has seen what happens when UV hits compromised skin—it ain’t pretty. So trust me when I say: wear the dang sunscreen. Even on cloudy days. Even if you’re “just going to Target.”

5. Healing Takes Time—But Prevention Is Faster ⏳

You don’t wait until a wound is infected to treat it, right? Same goes for skin. Start now. Cleanse gently, moisturize daily, eat for your gut, use antioxidants, stay hydrated, move your body, and manage stress. Prevention is cheaper than Botox 💁‍♀️

The Gut Connection 🥗💩✨

Surprise twist? Your gut is a key player in both wound healing and aging skin. An inflamed, unbalanced gut leads to poor nutrient absorption, chronic inflammation, and—you guessed it—sluggish healing and dull, aging skin.

Nourish your gut with:

  • Probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
  • Prebiotics (oats, bananas, asparagus)
  • Plenty of fiber + water
  • Low sugar, low junk

Healthy gut = clear skin, happy poops, and fewer frown lines.

Wrapping It Up (Like a Good Dressing 😉)

Working in wound care has taught me to respect the skin—how it repairs, protects, and reflects what’s happening inside your body. Aging skin isn’t the enemy—neglect is. With the right daily habits, you can support your skin the same way we support a healing wound: with patience, nourishment, protection, and love.

You’ve got one skin suit, and you’re wearing it every day. Treat it like the masterpiece it is. 🧖‍♀️💕

⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉)
This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy. What works for one person might not work for another (especially if we’re talking ileostomy vs colostomy vs urostomy—big differences, folks!).

Why Nurses Don’t Have Time to Poop (and How It Affects Our Gut) 💩⏰

Posted in ostomy care, Skin care-gut connection, Wound CareLeave a comment

Let’s just say it: nurses are the constipated heroes nobody talks about. We run on caffeine, adrenaline, and prayers. We can insert an IV during a code, chart with our elbows, and de-escalate a family meltdown at 140/90—but find time to poop? LOL. 😅

As a wound and ostomy care nurse in her 40s who is deeply in love with all things skin, gut, and “glow from the inside,” I’m here to shine a (well-moisturized) light on a truth many of us live but rarely talk about:

🚽 Nurses don’t poop. And it’s messing with our gut.

The Shift is Long, But the Colon Is Patient… Until It’s Not 🕒

Let’s be real. Between med passes, dressing changes, call lights, short staffing, and family updates, taking a moment to pee is an Olympic event—let alone finding a quiet five minutes to drop the kids off at the pool. So we do what we always do:

We hold it.
And hold it.
And… well, now we’re bloated and cranky and haven’t gone since Sunday. 🫠

What Happens When You Chronically “Hold It”?

1. Sluggish Motility = Constipation Party 🎉 (But You’re Not Invited)

Your colon is like a conveyor belt. When it slows down, waste sits longer, gets drier, and turns into something that deserves its own horror movie. Not only is it uncomfortable—it affects your whole digestive system.

2. Skin Flare-Ups from Gut Drama 😬

Yep, the gut-skin connection strikes again! When waste builds up, toxins don’t exit efficiently. That internal traffic jam can show up externally—think breakouts, dullness, rashes, and inflammation.

3. Hormonal Disruption & Cortisol Chaos 🔥

When your gut is backed up, stress hormones love to pile on. Your already-busy nurse brain is now riding a hormonal rollercoaster, complete with bloating, mood swings, and fatigue. Cute!

4. Microbiome Mayhem 🦠

Delaying bowel movements can throw your gut flora out of whack. That healthy bacteria you worked so hard to cultivate (hello, probiotics)? They’re not thrilled. It’s like skipping watering your plants and wondering why they’re sad.

The Nurse Gut Survival Guide 💡

Here’s what I (try to) do to stay regular in the world of 12s and no breaks:

🚰 Hydrate Like You’re Getting Paid For It

Water is a nurse’s best friend. Aim for at least 8 cups—even if it means timing it with your charting or shift huddles.

🥦 Fiber Is Your BFF

Sneak in fiber-rich snacks—chia pudding, apples, hummus and veggies, or even a high-fiber protein bar stashed in your bag like a secret weapon.

🚶‍♀️ Movement Matters

Even if it’s just walking laps around the unit or doing squats while waiting on pharmacy (don’t knock it!), keep things moving.

🧘‍♀️ Relax Your Nervous System

Stress literally shuts down digestion. Try deep breathing in the med room, stretching, or playing music on your commute to switch off the cortisol faucet.

💩 Make Time to Poop (Seriously)

Normalize taking five minutes. Yes, the unit might survive without you for 300 seconds. You can’t pour from an empty cup—or poop with a full colon. 😉

Bottom Line? Don’t Ignore Your Bottom 🧻❤️

Holding your poop for 13-hour shifts isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a slow sabotage of your gut, skin, and sanity. Nurses are incredible, but we’re also human. Let’s start treating ourselves with the same care we give our patients.

Your colon—and your complexion—will thank you.

⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉)
This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist, or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy.