Gut Health

If you care anything about feeling energized, balanced hormones, and stronger immune system-keep reading. Who would've thought that gut health plays such a big role in so many aspects of your health and well being? I personally have noticed how much better I feel when I keep my gut health in mind. 

For those of us that are unfamiliar with the term “gut” , I am referring to our digestive system. For many of us it starts in our mouths and ends at our anus. On the basic level it is an integral part of our survival. We need to consume nutrients to fuel our bodies and our digestive system is how the process starts. When things are not going well with our gut we feel it. According to Science Direct in 2018 there were more than 43.4 million ambulatory visits with a primary gastrointestinal diagnosis and $119.8 billion in health care expenditures in the US alone. These bismol numbers are a key indication of a major issue. They don't even quantify the emotional toll being sick has on individuals and families. 

Having knowledge of these gut challenges from my own health challenges inspired me to help myself and my family be more proactive in our gut health journey. If you are interested in being proactive as well below are some things to consider for better gut health-and overall health:

Incorporate more quality prebiotic and probiotics into your nutritional plan. Prebiotics set the stage for helpful microorganisms to thrive in our digestive system. Probiotics are the microorganisms that help our bodies by producing vitamins, killing disease causing bacteria, or digesting our food. Different strains of bacteria play different roles. They can assist our bodies by consuming them via our food or supplements. Thorne has made it a bit easier to improve your digestive health with their Gut Health Bundle.

Aim to eat mindfully by reducing distractions when consuming meals and taking your time. It takes the gut and brain about 15-20 minutes to communicate satiation via the vagus nerve.

Manage stress in a way that supports your gut health. This could include gentle movement like yoga, journaling, massage, and meditation. Oh, I can't forget the unnecessary drama we often allow in our lives. Let it go.

Staying hydrated helps your gut by ensuring you have enough fluids for nutrient absorption, food breakdown, and to move waste along your digestive tract (less constipation). The typical recommendation is half your body weight in ounces. Keep in mind you are getting hydration when you consume herbal teas, soups, juicing, and smoothies.  Quality water is usually the easiest for our bodies to absorb.  

Incorporating gentle movement helps get things moving digestively. Consider whatever exercise appeals to you and you can physically manage.

Having awareness of food allergies and sensitivities is a game changer for so many of us. Listening to your body is helpful.  If you are experiencing digestive discomfort, skin rashes, lethargy, irritability, or breathing issues that could be a sign (if you're paying attention). Sometimes conducting an elimination of key food triggers like gluten, artificial sweeteners, dairy,  eggs, and shellfish for a couple weeks can help. Trust me by the time you reintroduce the food triggers you will know. I recently found out that yellow onions aren't my friends, so I switched to green ones. 

If you still experience gas and bloating after eliminating food triggers and incorporating a probiotic or digestive enzymes like Bromelain and Papain with meals.  Fennel, Anise, and Chamomile in tea or tincture form may help. Plantizyme can help as well.

Avoid GMO foods and eat organic, when possible, to avoid leaky gut and heal your digestive tract with demulcent herbs like Slippery Elm, Marshmallow, and Plantain. Aloe can help as well in moderation. *Always consult with your health care provider if you have certain medications, you are on. Perma-Clear from Thorne can help with leaky gut as well.

Limit eating out, if you do try going to restaurants that have cleaner food options (no MSG, hydrogenated oils, cheaper vegetable oils, high sodium).

Take care of your oral health by keeping up with dental care at home and wellness visits with the dentist. 

Sit with your feet slightly higher than your hips and lean forward to aid your body in eliminating waste.

Consider a bidet attachment for your toilet seat if you don't have a bidet or a gentle cleansing after eliminating waste.

Check out my Thorne Dispensary for a variety of wellness supplements to support your health goals. 

Let’s be healthy together!

References

Probiotics: What You Need To Know | NCCIH (nih.gov)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016508521036556