Quite literally, your gut is the epicenter of your mental and physical health. If you want better immunity, efficient digestion, improved clarity and balance, focus on rebuilding your gut health. -Kris Carr
Nearly 2500 years ago, Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates stated, "All disease begins in the gut."
The "gut health" science maintains its evidence based authority 2500 years later. The gut is the epicenter of health and disease. While we are so focused on the number on the scale, we are neglecting the most important numbers within the gut.
The gut, or gastrointestinal tract (GI), is a vital part of the digestive system. The digestive system includes the GI, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The basic function of the digestive system is to convert the foods we eat into their simplest, molecular form like sugar (glucose), protein (amino acids) or fat (fatty acids). Once the digestive system breaks down the foods, the nutrients can be carried throughout each cell in the body. Any disruption to this process can have a negative impact on your overall health and weight loss efforts.
Signs of an unhealthy gut include upset stomach, fatigue, trouble sleeping, food intolerance, food cravings, migraines, frequent mood changes, unintentional weight changes, skin irritations, autoimmune problems, etc.
The “gut microbiome” refers to all the microorganisms living in your intestines. Research suggests each person has about 200 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in their digestive tract. These microorganisms are incredibly beneficial and necessary for a healthy body.
The gut’s “brain” is connected to your digestion, mood, health and even the way we think. Improving gut health can have a profound impact on overall well-being. To help you improve and protect your gut health, we have included a few simple nutrition and lifestyle tips below.
5 Simple Nutrition Tips To Boost Your Gut Health
Eat a Diverse Range of Foods: Consuming a variety of foods can lead to a more diverse gut microbiota, which is beneficial for health. Different types of foods provide different nutrients that can help various species of gut bacteria thrive.
Include Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha contain beneficial probiotics that can support gut health by introducing helpful bacteria.
Consume Prebiotic-Rich Foods: Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Foods high in prebiotics include garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, leeks, and whole grains.
Eat Whole Grains: Whole grains like oats, barley, and quinoa are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and provides fuel for beneficial gut bacteria.
Incorporate Polyphenol-Rich Foods: Polyphenols are plant compounds that have numerous health benefits, including supporting gut health. Foods rich in polyphenols include dark chocolate, green tea, red wine (in moderation), and berries.
5 Simple Lifestyle Tips To Boost Your Gut Health
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for the mucosal lining of the intestines and helps in maintaining the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance the diversity of gut bacteria, which is linked to better overall health.
Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep quality can negatively impact gut health. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night to support a healthy gut.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can harm the gut microbiota. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage stress levels.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can harm the gut microbiota. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy gut.
Remember, improving your health and attaining sustainable weight loss is a 2 prong approach.
Making changes to your DIET + LIFESTYLE are key.
No matter what “short cut” you choose to “speed up” the process, you will always be redirected to address your daily diet and lifestyle habits.
References
Ferraris C, Elli M, Tagliabue A. Gut Microbiota for Health: How Can Diet Maintain A Healthy Gut Microbiota?. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3596. Published 2020 Nov 23. doi:10.3390/nu12113596
Zhang P. Influence of Foods and Nutrition on the Gut Microbiome and Implications for Intestinal Health. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Aug 24;23(17):9588. doi: 10.3390/ijms23179588. PMID: 36076980; PMCID: PMC9455721.
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