I started eating fish again the other week after being vegetarian for at least a decade because I’d been craving sardines for some time now. So I’m listening to my body’s craving for preserved fish carcass nicely packaged in a tin can with juices that make my not-nearly-full trash can reek for days. From what I understand, it’s a good idea to incorporate some protein in my diet as I cross middle age to maintain muscle mass and support decreasing collagen production. Little did I know, “tin fish” is all the rage lately! One of my dearest friends even gifted me the cutest sardine gift set from the Fish Wife complete with recipes and a mini hot sauce. I honestly couldn’t feel more validated in my diet transition except for the constipation!

I have always told clients to consume more fish as their protein source because the added benefits of the Omega oils contribute to brain health while making the protein more digestible. However, it is important to be cognizant of the heavy metal content and where the fish is sourced. I’ve seen too much on the farmed fish industry to know, wild caught is better. And I know too much about the impact of heavy metals on brain health, so smaller is better. Then there’s radiation levels due to all of the fucking nuclear explosions you have to worry about. So for me, it was always easiest to stay away from fish.

But earlier this year I was listening to an expert on the Mel Robbins podcast talk about how tin fish is some of the healthiest, freshest fish available because they are low in heavy metals and basically cured and canned immediately. So I’ve been overdoing it. My skin has been looking great, but my bowels not so much.

Any time you transition your diet, whether you are incorporating more protein or incorporating more veggies, one of two things always happens. You get more constipated or you get more bloated temporarily. A colonic is always a good idea when changing up the diet to alleviate discomfort. Namaste.