Sh!t Talk Made Simple: Karin Nahmani’s Unfiltered Guide to Gut Health
Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of attending Karin Nahmani’s one-woman show, Sh!t Isn’t A Dirty Word!, and it was one of the most refreshing and enjoyable discussions about gut health I’ve ever experienced! Talking about digestive health is a subject many people shy away from due to the embarrassment often associated with it—so much so that many won’t even open up to their own physicians, risking their health in the process. As someone who’s comfortable talking about gut health (yes, really!), I immediately appreciated Karin’s no-nonsense, yet adorably humorous approach to the subject. Her passion for gut health coupled with her approach to the topic dismantled all those anxieties for the audience, creating an open space for dialogue. By sharing her personal journey, she not only educated her audience but also inspired many to rethink the importance of digestive health.
Karin’s decades-long career—during which she became known to many as the "gut whisperer" of Los Angeles—has earned her a loyal clientele, including many top industry professionals. With a stellar reputation in the health community, she went on to found her own clinic, Pure Center, where she and her team take a holistic approach to health.
One of the first things that stood out to me was Karin discussing how she came to work in colonics and her mention of coming from a 'healing' family—one with a tradition that goes back generations, all the way to her grandmother. If you’d asked me this before meeting my fiancé, those words wouldn’t have carried much weight. But now, because he has those healing hands, I understand the significance, and I can see how this deep-rooted legacy is one of the many things that sets Karin apart from the rest. I’ve never tried colonics myself, but knowing this about her, she’s the one I’d trust with this procedure.
What I’ve often found in Los Angeles are health centers that either take a holistic approach or a strictly medical one. It’s rare to see those worlds combine, but I believe that blending both is critical to our overall health and well-being. Hearing that Karin values these principles as well further solidified her status as a powerhouse in gut health. It also shows her dedication to continually educating herself, ensuring she stays at the top of her game. She shared how she was forced to put this combination of treatment styles to the test with a loved one battling cancer, and I truly believe her when she says that this loved one is doing well today because of it. Karin has worked with other patients suffering from serious medical conditions and takes great care in finding the treatment that works best for each individual. What really stood out in her sharing this, though, was the thoughtful and caring approach she brings to her work. I’m sure this personal attention helps her patients through some of the most difficult, scary, and uncertain times of their lives.
Now, to the nitty-gritty of the procedure itself: I’d never really looked into colonics before, as I’ve been following a different routine to maintain my gut health. But Karin dove into what a colonic treatment actually entails, and once again, her openness about the topic made all the difference. She clearly described the procedure, leaving little to the imagination (which often leads to unnecessary fear). As a result, I’m now seriously considering adding it to my healthy lifestyle regimen.
Karin doesn’t stop there—she also shared her line of vitamins and the benefits of incorporating them into her patients' health plans. As someone who values the combination of medical and holistic approaches and is very particular about what I ingest, I found these supplements to be a great addition. I can see how they’d really help round out a well-balanced health routine.
Karin spares no shyness (thank God!) when she tells us that we carry about 15 pounds of sh!t, and that having a bowel movement up to three times a day is perfectly healthy (my fiancé will love that he wins that debate!). While I knew that the contents of what we eat take time to pass through our gastrointestinal tract, I didn’t realize it added up to that much! Karin certainly shared a wealth of new information, and I’m walking away not only better informed but also closer to taking the leap and trying something I’ve always been apprehensive about. Her extensive experience puts me at ease—she’s seen it all. So, the next time you hear from me, I may just be a little lighter and a little less full of sh!t—something my fiancé will also welcome!
Be sure to check out the links above and do your own research on colonics and Karin’s amazing practice. She’s a powerhouse in the industry and such an incredible, down-to-earth woman, I just love her!
Photography and graphics by Mary Lou Sandler for Karin Nahmani
About the Author
Chelar Vale is a writer, content creator, copywriter and actress based in Los Angeles. Her personal essays, available online, range from fun and humorous to deeply introspective. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she uses her performance experience and training at Penn to connect with readers, offering both wit and insight across a variety of topics.