Gut Health

Gut health

So your gut health is off? Your gut is like your second brain, did you know? I believe it's affected by what you are consuming, your lifestyle, the products you use, birth control pills, your hormones, your emotional state and your stress levels. All of these things and more have an effect on your gut health. I dare to believe that most chronic illnesses are linked back to your gut in one way or another.

The gut, being just part of the digestive system, is where your body absorbs nutrients to help keep your body healthy and functioning properly. If your gut is unhealthy and you eat empty calorie foods that lack nutrition,  your whole body could suffer and stay damaged and dis-eased. Digestion starts from the time you begin chewing your food, which is important for good digestion and high-quality gut health. Eating real nutrient dense foods and chewing them well is a good first step to a healthier gut.

I'm writing this for anyone who needs some ideas for better gut health. If your gut is "off," your whole body is likely imbalanced, maybe even mentally and emotionally. Chronic fatigue, anxiety, acne, depression, brain fog, inability to concentrate and trouble sleeping are just some of the signs of an unwell digestive system.

Food sensitivity can cause upset stomach aches, intestinal discomfort, and pain. I'm no doctor but I'm here to help you think outside the box of what you have always eaten. Pay attention to your body, your gut in particular. Even your skin can show signs of unhealthy gut flora. The gut flora is the complex community of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract.

Your immune system starts in your gut. When you get sick it's not necessarily just about the germs. I believe it's more about your gut health and your body's ability to fight off whatever it needs to. Which is where your gut health/immune system comes into play.

Are you eating mostly processed, fake, not real food every day? Have you been having issues like unhealthy poops, upset tummy troubles and digestive problems for far too long?

I want to help, not make you feel bad for your food choices until now. But you have to be willing to begin eating a little bit different from your "all American diet" of white bread, fried everything, with a side of fries. If you don't have a good wholesome base and you are just feeding your sugar cravings or gluten cravings, you will feel unwell unless you make some changes.

With a base of real whole foods, I feel pretty good with my gut health. I stick to lots of greens and a variety of vegetables, fruits, organic meats, good healthy fats and some whole grains. It has taken me many years to reach the point of feeling healthy in my body, especially my gut, for the most part.

Foods that support gut health are full of fiber! Whole real foods with a plethora of vegetables and fruit, (cruciferous vegetables are a great addition), whole grains, legumes, fermented foods, apple cider vinegar, plain yogurt, kefir, kombucha (just watch the sugar content on some of these products,) fatty fish, flax seeds, bone broth and other healthy real foods can mean the difference between optimal and unwell gut health.

I know for me I want to feel my best. When I feel good I can be more present in situations as well as get things done when I need to. For example, writing this blog takes focus, food prepping meals for the week takes energy and prioritizing,  taking adventurous walks with my love takes energy. Working at a fast paced restaurant takes buoyancy, focus, patience and endurance. Keeping myself active, moving my body and strength training are some hobbies and take dedication and consistency. If I don't fuel my body properly, I can't stay focused on things that matter in life. When I don't optimize my nutrients, my energy suffers and I lack focus and motivation to get things accomplished. 

To help with gut health and healing, here are some simple things to try:

• Avoid processed food
   
• Eat real whole foods 
   
• Add fermented foods into your diet (most days) 
   
• Make your own bone broth or get a good quality one and consume it often
   
• Probiotics are a must in my mind 
   
• Yogurt is a great addition too

Also be mindful of how you feel when you eat, how your body feels when you eat certain foods. Pay attention to your body's cues of what foods feel good in your body and what doesn't. Try eliminating those foods that bother your digestion such as dairy, gluten, sugar, etc... What is it for you? Find those foods that help you feel energized and have a clear mind and begin with those to make the changes you need to make.

I listened to a podcast the other day and he mentioned how learning how to breathe was an important step in healing your gut. Your stress affects your body greatly and proper breathing can help your parasympathetic nervous system so much with just a few deep intentional breaths. I thought this was an interesting concept on this topic. Listen to that podcast here.

...More about gut health to come. Keep an eye out.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ― Hippocrates

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. (Genesis 1:29)