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Revitalizing Gut Health in the Swiss Alps: A Retreat at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

At the luxurious Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, located in the scenic Swiss Alps, guests can indulge in a unique experience called My Microbiome. This program focuses on gut health and begins with a personalized breakfast tailored to the individual’s specific lab results. For my stay, this meant a meal consisting of two eggs, 140 grams of papaya, rice crackers, and a glass of perfectly heated water at 97.7 degrees.

Nestled 60 miles southeast of Zurich, this historic resort is renowned for its therapeutic thermal baths, a natural wonder discovered by medieval hunters. Beyond its wellness offerings, the resort boasts an impressive array of restaurants that collectively hold six Michelin stars, luxurious penthouses costing up to $11,000 per night, and a team of healthcare professionals who also serve the Swiss Olympic team. Among the various wellness programs is the Newyou Method, which includes advanced strategies aimed at rejuvenating the gut microbiome.

The conversation surrounding gut health has gained significant traction over recent years. According to market reports, digestive aid products generated around $51 billion last year alone. Various podcasts dedicated to this topic, such as Butts & Guts and Take a Stool, have emerged, catering to an increasing public interest in digestive wellness. Campaigns like “Hot girls have IBS” have even gone viral, showing the cultural relevance of gut health discussions.

Despite its popularity, many aspects of digestive health continue to remain a mystery. After struggling with gastrointestinal issues for years, I was eager for a thorough assessment. Four weeks before my arrival at Bad Ragaz, I received a sample collection kit with a prepaid shipping label to a sophisticated lab in Zurich. By the time I arrived at the resort, the staff had already analyzed my gut health to craft a bespoke wellness plan.

During my initial consultation, Sonja Ricke, the hotel’s chief nutritionist, informed me that having a dysbiosis index of seven is “very, very rare.” She highlighted concerns regarding my butyrate-producing bacteria and explained that my klebsiella levels were subpar. Although my pancreatic elastase levels were acceptable, there was room for improvement. “It’s not that you’ll die from this,” Ricke reassured me, “Absolutely not.” In essence, she pointed out that I had an imbalance of gut bacteria, a pancreas that was not performing optimally, and even a parasite. As part of my treatment, she provided unpasteurized apple cider vinegar and arranged for a supply of 100 capsules of Creon, a digestive enzyme derived from pigs, to support my recovery.

From the stunning vistas of the Alps visible from Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, it’s clear that this retreat offers not just a luxury experience, but a genuine path toward improved gut health and overall well-being.

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www.cntraveler.com