We were lucky to catch up with Krysti Jonas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Krysti, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Yes, there was a defining moment in my career that changed both my health and the trajectory of my professional life. For years before this moment, I had sensed a significant gap in the healthcare system’s approach to education. As a nurse working in the Critical Care Unit, I often cared for patients suffering from conditions that were preventable—things like high blood pressure, which could have been managed with prescribed medications, or lifestyle changes such as stress reduction and eating more nutrient-dense foods. I couldn’t help but feel that we, as healthcare providers, weren’t doing enough to educate patients on prevention.

In February 2021, I found myself experiencing severe abdominal pain, leading me to the ER for the first time in my life. As someone with a high pain tolerance, for me to seek medical attention for pain was a big deal. That first ER visit revealed that I had severe diverticulitis with microperforations, a condition where pouches form in the colon and can become infected. I remember thinking, “At least it’s not cancer,” but soon realized that diverticulitis was just as serious and life-threatening, even though it wasn’t as widely known.

In the months that followed, I struggled with flare-ups, fatigue, and chronic discomfort. Doctors didn’t provide any meaningful lifestyle advice, focusing only on medical interventions like antibiotics and surgery. No one mentioned things like stress management, diet changes, or the possibility of healing my gut naturally. Life felt bleak.

Then came May 7, 2022, a moment that would redefine my life both personally and professionally. Instead of going on a birthday trip to Disney World, we took a another trip to the ER. This time, I was at a breaking point—exhausted from years of living with debilitating pain. I just wanted the surgeons to cut out part of my colon, even if it meant living with a colostomy bag.

During my week-long hospital stay, I took a moment to reflect on why this was happening to me—especially at such a young age. I dove deep into healing medications and podcasts on root cause medicine and gut health, and that’s when everything shifted. I realized that the body could heal itself through proper nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes—things I had never been taught in nursing school.

After surgery to remove part of my colon, I began a journey of self-healing. I researched how to reduce inflammation and discovered the incredible power of herbs and food to heal the gut lining. This was revolutionary! None of my doctors had ever discussed these natural, holistic approaches with me.

Armed with this new knowledge, I sought help from specialists, but my experience with conventional medicine only highlighted the gaps in the system. Despite my symptoms, I wasn’t getting the answers I needed. This led me to take matters into my own hands and pursue a path of functional medicine, enrolling in the Functional Nurse Academy to learn how to uncover the root causes of illness.

The health challenges I faced steered me toward my purpose in life: to educate and empower others to heal themselves through lifestyle changes in the 8 Foundations of Wellness: stress management, sleep, detoxification, nutrition, digestion, movement, spirituality, and community. This new understanding of health and wellness is what inspired me to start my own business, Mindful Health Solutions, LLC, where I now help others uncover possible root causes for their symptoms/diseases to that they can heal and thrive in this life!

Krysti, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At Mindful Health Solutions, LLC, I offer personalized wellness coaching, focused on optimizing gut health and empowering individuals to take charge of their health through education, functional medicine testing, and nutritional strategies. I believe that in order to achieve lasting health, we need to go beyond guessing and instead, gather real data about our bodies. I provide services that help clients understand their gut health through advanced testing, targeted nutrition plans, and gut-balancing strategies.

Through my comprehensive labs and gut health assessments, I offer clients insights into their digestive system, helping to identify imbalances in gut bacteria, food sensitivities, and inflammation. Along with this, I guide clients in creating actionable, sustainable lifestyle changes. Whether you’re dealing with digestive discomfort, fatigue, mental fog, weight loss resistance, or even skin issues, my goal is to help you restore balance, improve digestion, and feel better every day.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of clinical experience as a nurse and functional medicine (root cause) knowledge, as well as my genuine commitment to your personal health journey. But what truly differentiates my practice is the space I create for open, honest conversations—especially when it comes to topics like bowel movements. I truly believe that our digestive health is foundational to overall well-being, and by normalizing conversations around bowel health, we can better understand and address what’s happening inside the body. I encourage humor and lightheartedness in our discussions, because health doesn’t have to be heavy or serious all the time—humor can be a great ally in healing!

I’m most proud of the transformation I’ve seen in my clients. When they come to me, they often feel lost or discouraged, but by the end of our work together, they have a deep understanding of their gut health and feel empowered to make positive changes. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see clients regain their energy, health, and vitality as they implement the insights I provide.

For anyone considering working with me or following my work, I want you to know this: Gut health is the foundation of everything—it affects your energy, mood, mental clarity, immune system, and more. I’m here to help you balance your gut so you can balance your life. If you’re looking for a holistic, data-driven, and supportive approach to your health, I’d be honored to guide you on this transformative journey.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

In addition to training and knowledge, I believe compassionate communication is key to success in this field. My clients often come to me feeling unheard or dismissed by the conventional healthcare system, so it’s important to foster a space where they feel truly listened to. I create an environment where they can share their symptoms, concerns, and fears without feeling judged. This trust-building is crucial because it allows us to dive deep into their health journey, uncovering the root causes of their issues without the pressure or stigma that they may have encountered elsewhere.

It’s not just about treating the body, but about building a relationship where my clients feel supported and understood. Many people have been through years of frustration, misdiagnosis, and feeling like they’re not being taken seriously, and I’m here to offer them something different: respect, understanding, and actionable plans rooted in their unique experiences. That emotional connection is a huge part of what allows them to succeed and heal with my guidance.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, several books and resources have had a profound impact on my entrepreneurial thinking, especially when it comes to navigating the challenges and mindset shifts that come with building a business. Three books, in particular, stand out as pivotal in my journey:

“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero: This book was a game-changer for me when it came to shifting my mindset. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to constantly push through fears and doubts—especially when I first started my business after a major health crisis. Sincero’s teachings on self-worth and empowerment gave me the confidence to take risks, trust my instincts, and believe in the possibility of success. It was a key resource in developing the resilience I needed to navigate the entrepreneurial world.
“The Untethered Soul” by Michael Alan Singer: This book helped me realize the importance of emotional freedom and releasing attachment to negative thoughts or past experiences. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress, setbacks, and pressure that come with running a business. This book taught me to detach from those emotions and adopt a mindset of flow and presence, which has been critical in my ability to stay calm under pressure and move forward with clarity and purpose.
“The Café on the Edge of the World” by John Strelecky: This book was instrumental in helping me define my purpose and align my business with my true calling. It made me ask important questions like, “What would I regret not doing?” and “How can I make the biggest impact?” For me, this was pivotal in making the leap from simply running a business to creating a company that’s aligned with my core values and purpose—helping people heal through holistic, functional medicine.
“The Power of One More” by Ed Mylett: Mylett’s book helped me build the discipline to push through when I felt like I’d reached my limit. As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced countless moments where I wanted to quit, whether due to burnout, self-doubt, or just exhaustion. His philosophy of pushing for one more—one more call, one more email, one more step—has been a guiding principle that helps me keep going when things feel overwhelming. It’s about that extra push, that moment of determination, that often leads to the breakthrough I need.
Aside from books, one of the most impactful resources was hiring a life and business coach. My coach helped me identify not only actionable steps for business growth but also helped me navigate the emotional and mental transitions that come with starting a business after significant health struggles. The guidance, accountability, and emotional support I received from my coach were invaluable in helping me stay grounded and focused, especially during the moments when self-doubt crept in.

All of these resources, combined with my own lived experience, have shaped my entrepreneurial journey. They’ve taught me that running a business isn’t just about strategy and growth; it’s about aligning your mindset, values, and purpose with everything you do. This holistic approach has been essential in helping me create a business that’s sustainable, impactful, and aligned with my true passion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: krystijonas
• Facebook: Krysti Jonas
• Linkedin: Krysti Jonas
• Other: email: [email protected]