When we think about health we always start on what we see on the outside. In reality it all starts on the inside. We must first create balance and an understanding of what our body is calling for on a daily basis. That all begins in the gut, or what we call our second brain. This is where we metabolize & distribute nutrients to fuel our body and brain. It is also the place where we fight off toxic chemicals and process emotions. Therefore, understanding your gut and what keeps it balanced is one of the most important parts about remaining healthy and strengthening your immunity. If our gut is out of balance it can wreak havoc on your body’s immune system. It can even lead to some dangerous auto-immune diseases. Today you will learn the different ways to balance, fix, and rejuvenate your gut and restore it back to how it is supposed to function.
What does the Gut do?
Our gut is the home of our body’s microbiome, where we metabolize foods, emotions, thoughts, and bacteria every second of the day. Our gut microbiome holds 80% of our immune system cells. It is also where 95% of our bodies serotonin is produced. That is why the gut gets its name of being the second brain (more on this later). Serotonin is what you feel when you get full or after you eat something; it is your body’s response to food being consumed, and it wants to be relaxed so it can digest the food properly.
Serotonin is the key hormone in mood stabilization. When, this hormone is out of balance you are more vulnerable to feeling depressed, anxious and overwhelmed. How do we rebalance this hormone? Eating a well-balanced diet, and having a daily meditation practice will help keep you mentally and physically relaxed.
Having a healthy gut = consistent regularity
Having a healthy guy means that you have consistent and easy bowel movements on a daily basis. This means your stomach and colon have the proper amount of bacteria needed to digest and metabolize food effectively.
How do I know if I have an unhealthy gut?
Having an unhealthy gut can result in two things: Either multitudes of symptoms that leave you worried, or just a couple of symptoms that you would mistake as something normal due to just some foods you ate. Being able to identify these symptoms could save you from developing detrimental autoimmune issues, along many other gut problems. Having a compromised gut could result in the following symptoms;
- Bloated
- Weight gain
- Unexplained fatigue
- Anxiety
- Skin rashes
- Sugar cravings
- Constipation/diarrhea
If you are feeling these symptoms often and are worried you could have a compromised gut, always check with your physician first before making any self-diagnosis or performing any self-remedy.
Your gut is stronger than you think….
Now you are probably wondering "how do I begin to repair my gut"? You do so by beginning to detox your gut which involves consuming the proper foods and supplementing your diet with the proper vitamins and minerals so you can begin the healing process.
Detox:
The first step with healing any part of the body is to cleanse the body completely of all toxins. This can be done by doing a two-week detox (elimination diet). For two weeks you will eliminate the following;
1. Gluten
2. Soy
3. All processed foods or fast food
4. Limited caffeine
By eliminating these foods for two weeks your body will begin to repair the areas of the gut that were damaged. After beginning the detoxification process begin consuming the following to rebuild your gut back to a healthier state.
Prebiotics
These foods contain the proper nutrients and microorganisms that help healthy bacteria grow in your gut and strengthen your microbiome. Examples are;
- Bananas
- Berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Grapes
- Apples
- Onions
- Garlic
Probiotics
Live bacteria or yeast that help with the lining of your intestines help the flow of your digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall protection. Some examples of probiotics you can consume are;
- Kefir (or organic all natural yogurt with no sugar added)
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Tempeh
- Miso
- Kombucha
- Pickled foods
You can also get probiotics from natural supplementation. Some promising brands that carry great sources are;
- https://www.mercolamarket.com/product/672/1/complete-probiotics-70-b-cfu-30-per-bottle-30-day-supply
Summary
The second brain knows more than you think, so being able to listen when it cries out is so important. Making these dietary and lifestyle changes can be challenging, but just remember it’s about taking small consistent steps towards feeling and living a healthier and happier life. Begin with the elimination diet, then begin slowly adding in some nutrient dense prebiotics, and then add in a great source of probiotics about 2-3 times a week.
Commenti