Signs Your Gut Needs Love
/A healthy gut means your gut microbiome is well balanced with good bacteria that help you get energy from your food by digesting, absorbing and assimilating nutrients. A balanced microbiome helps support your immune system, detoxify the body and produce necessary hormones and neurotransmitters such as mood-boosting serotonin. When our guts feel good we experience few health symptoms, have good energy and regular, well-formed bowel movements along with healthy “transit time” through the system.
A healthy gut produces enzymes, secretions and acids that support digestion and gets rid of what the body does not need. Many organs support and benefit from good gut health such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and pancreas. And also importantly many hormones support and benefit from good gut health such as insulin, cortisol, estrogen and progesterone.
But when there are imbalances, they can lead to gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux and pain. And inadequate amount of enzymes, acids and beneficial bacteria in the gut or the presence of pathogens, stress, toxins and gut disruptors can allow damaging bacteria to thrive.
Gut imbalances can also be present and contribute to the following situations:
Autoimmune conditions: Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions
IBS and other disabling digestive conditions: IBD, Crohn’s, Celiac, SIBO
Skin issues: Acne, rosacea, rashes, hives, itchiness, eczema
Hormone imbalances, especially thyroid
Food sensitivities + intolerances (especially new ones)
Brain fog, memory issues, headaches
Cravings, sleeplessness, hanger
Anxiety and depression
If this is you, don’t panic. Just understand that improving your gut health may help you address these other conditions. This was certainly the case when I battled intense anxiety, adrenal dysfunction and chronic diarrhea and food intolerances. Once my gut began to heal, my other health concerns began to diminish as well (much to my surprise).
Three Steps to Get Started Improving Your Gut Health:
Focus on real, whole foods with fiber. Swapping out highly processed foods, sugars, takeout, bars and crap for actual foods like nuts, fruit, meat + fish, vegetables and healthy oils like olive oil is the basis of a gut healthy lifestyle. Even small shifts like enjoying almonds with berries for a snack instead of pretzels can make a positive difference. Ensuring you are drinking enough water, especially between meals, is also important to help provide adequate hydration for the digestive process.
Eat low and slow. Set aside time for eating and preparing food with low distraction from your phone or laptop. Chew your food mindfully and notice how foods make you feel. Eating quickly can reduce the amount of enzymes + secretions your body needs to adequately digest the food you are eating contributing to gas and bloating. Add a walk or gentle movement after meals to help keep food moving along.
Reduce stress. When your body is always in fight, flight or flee mode, resources get diverted from the digestive process (and other systems like immunity and hormone production) to support stress response. Taking time to breathe and relax before and during meals can support better gut health.
Addressing your gut health with your healthcare practitioner is essential for lifelong health and improving almost every system in the body.
