Did you know that 70%-80% of your immune system is in your gut? If your gut isn’t healthy it can lead to digestive issues, allergies, acne, chronic fatigue, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, autism, dementia and even cancer to name just a few.
It is so important to eat the rights foods for your body , you really are what you eat!
Today, with all the highly processed foods, high sugar, high fat and low fiber foods that are readily available at our fingertips, it has altered our gut bacteria. It is important to eat fiber rich vegetables, low sugar fruits and the right grains and legumes to keep our gut bacteria healthy.
The microbiome is the genetic material of all the microbes, bacteria, funghi and viruses that live within and on the human body. These microorganisms are called microbes for short. The gut micobiome plays a huge role in our health by helping digestion and benefitting our immune system and other aspects of our health. It performs a barrier effect and keeping our gut balanced and healthy will ensure proper digestive functions.
Did you know there are more bacterial cells in your body than human cells? The gut microbiome affects your body from the moment you are conceived.
Signs of an unhealthy gut can be:
Gas, bloating,constipation,diarrhea, heartburn, unintentional weight changes, sleep disturbances or constant fatigue, skin irrations and food intolerances.
Many foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains contain prebiotic fiber and a lack of this fiber can be harmful to your digestive health. Eat as many prebiotic foods like lentils, chickpeas, beans, oats, bananas, asparagus, garlic and onions to maintain your digestive healths. Other foods that can heal your gut are fermented foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi and yogurt . they will replenish your good gut bacteria.
Eating healthy fats like avocado, olives, coconut oil , fatty fish and bone broth can calm inflammation in your body and gut. Your gut is the only organ with its own nervous system. Some will say its your second brain. Most problematic for your gut are caffeine, processed sugar and alcohol. You want to avoid these items as best as possible.
The good news is that by changing your diet, you can rebalance your gut. Considering an elimination diet to address food sensitivities is a good way to figure out what works for your own body because everyone is an individual. By removing gluten, dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, processed food, corn , eggs and alcohol for a week or two, you can see how your gut feels and also what happens to other symptoms in your body. For arthritis sufferers eliminate nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and pepper. After two weeks, you can add back these foods one by one and see if it makes a difference in how your body and gut feels.
Your gut can be improved by probiotic foods as well. Fermented and cultured foods contain probiotics and are full of digestive enzymes. Try sprouted vegetables, radishes, artichokes, dandelions, and chicory. To sooth irritated or inflames tissue, try almonds, coconut oil, figs, parsley, and sage. Another product that can help reduce inflammation and is high in gut gealing is Ghee. Ghee is clarified butter and has been used in India to heal the gut for thousands of years.
Eating whole healthy foods and eliminating foods that are harmful to your gut can change your life. The body has the power to heal itself and many people have been able to stop taking some medications just by changing the way they eat.
I am here to help you!
50, Fit and Fabulous
Deb