By: @wellclub__
“All disease begins in the gut” - Hippocrates
The health of your GI tract plays a big part in your overall health. An unhealthy gut may show up in a multitude of ways, including an autoimmune disorder, digestive problems, skin issues, weight gain, cravings, sleep problems, mood swings, lack of focus, low energy, allergies, and immune imbalances. If you experience any of these issues, it is worth further exploring the health of your gut.
Our guts are full of bacteria - both the “good” and the “bad” kind. Gut dysbiosis is when there is an imbalance between gut microbiota. While we can’t always protect ourselves from gut harming factors, we can choose to live a more healthy lifestyle by making smarter choices in the products we use, the food we eat, and by reducing our overall stress levels. Below are a few simple steps to help heal your gut.
Identify triggers such as allergens and food intolerances. How? 1) Keeping a food journal, noting how certain foods make you feel and/or 2) get formal testing done by a qualified health practitioner.
Reduce anti-inflammatory foods such as sugar, gluten, dairy, alcohol, and caffeine.
Remove the use of harsh chemical cleaning products, antibacterial products, refined oils, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and dyes. Limit antibiotic use, if/when appropriate. When possible, choose organic to avoid pesticides, artificial hormones, and GMOs.
Repair the gut lining with gut supporting foods and nutrients. See below for a list of gut nourishing foods.
Bone broth and collagen
Soluble fibres (ex. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and chia seeds)
Prebiotic foods (ex. Green banana flour, asparagus, leeks, and berries)
Fermented foods (ex. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso)
Omega 3 fatty acids (ex. Avocado, coconut oil, and raw nuts)
Gut healing herbs such as turmeric, marshmallow root, aloe vera, licorice root, slippery elm*
Gut healing supplements such as L-glutamine, curcumin, zinc, and quercetin*
Incorporate hydrochloric acid boosting foods (ex. Lemon water, apple cider vinegar, and digestive bitters like dandelion, fennel, beetroot, goldenseal root, milk thistle, ginger, or peppermint)*
Rebalance your stress levels by incorporating de-stressing activities such as meditation, journaling, exercising, and practicing mindfulness.
*We always recommend speaking with a health practitioner prior to taking any herbs or supplements.
