Gut health is linked to various chronic conditions. Your gut holds the key to your health. It has been said that your gut has its own brain and sometimes called a 2nd brain in your body.
Approximately 70%-80% of your immune system is located in your gut and 90% of the chemicals responsible for regulating our mood such as serotonin is made in our gut. This is why issues in our gut cause more than just stomach pain, bloating and gas and can be related to many other chronic health issues.
One way to heal your gut is to get rid of the foods that can be inflammatory (gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs, sugar, and processed foods). This is called an elimination diet. It is recommended to eliminate these foods for approximately 30 days and then add each one back in separately to help determine which ones may be the inflammatory foods for your body.
An inflammatory gut may cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, join stiffness, skin conditions and stomach discomfort.
During this time it is important to replace with whole foods and probiotics that will reestablish a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics will also help as they are the food for the good bacteria. Foods high in soluble fiber are important as well. Healthy fats such as avocadoes, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables that are high fiber and low glycemic carbs, lean protein like wild caught fish, grass fed meats, free range poultry, slow carbs like butternut squash and sweet potatoes and proteins like pea, rice, hemp and chia can all help to heal your gut.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi also can help as they are probiotic rich. Fiber rich foods like green apples, flaxseeds, nuts and gluten free oatmeal can also help to optimize gut health. The will slow digestion, stabilize your blood sugar, provide energy and help you feel full longer.
You can feel great if you take the time to heal your gut. I am here every step of the way to guide you through the process.
50, Fit and Fabulous
Deb