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Restore your gut health Better Digestion
Is your gut health trying to tell your something? Upset stomach, sugar cravings, fatigue and skin rashes may be symptoms your digestive health is out of balance. The good bacteria that live in your stomach performs many important functions. They help absorb vitamins and mineral from food, metabolize drugs, destroy disease-causing cells, and support the body’s immune system.
A healthy gut may help you
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Lower your risk for diabetes and some cancers
- Relieve skin irritation
- Improve your mood
How is your Gut connected to your brain?
Did you know your gut is in constant contact with your brain? Yes, thanks to the nerve cell and hormones produced there, your gut may impact your mood. For many years it was thought that stress, anxiety and depression caused irritable bowel syndrome. Those feelings may be the result of an irritated gut sending distress signals to the brain. During stressful situations, blood pressure, heart and breathing rates may go up, however digestion actually slows down. By this happening, the body may not be able to product much serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that impacts mood. The hunger hormone call ghrelin plays an important role in appetite and fat storage.
Tips for better Gut Health
1. When you avoid sweets and highly processed foods, you can improve gut bacteria within two weeks.
2. Choose whole foods and grains, because the natural fiber will help support good bacteria in your gut.
3. Eat fermented foods, such as plain yogurt, kefir and sweet acidophilus milk. These fermented foods have prebiotics important for digestion. Kimchi, pickles and sauerkraut are my favorite prebiotics.
4. Chew your food well for full digestion and it helps to absorb the nutrients.
5. Lower your stress levels by taking a walk, meditation, art and yoga.
6. Get up and move. Any form of exercise does wonders for your gut too.
7. Get your sleep. Try sleeping for seven to eight hours every night.
8. Drink a gallon of water a day to stay well-hydrated and limited your alcohol.
9. If you smoke, I’m sorry to say, but smoking effects your overall gut health
10. Add probiotics. Probiotics are a great way to support healthy digestive balance.
When your gut says “No!”
When your gut is having difficulties digesting certain foods, you may experience gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. If you notice some foods seem to trigger symptoms, try avoiding them for a while. You may start feeling better. If you want to pin point food intolerances try an elimination diet. Take a good look at what you’re eating. Could something be swapped out, modified or adjusted? If these tips don’t help improve your gut health, it’s time to get advice from your doctor.
