Happy Gut, Happy Life
Let’s be real…the word “gut” makes me cringe just a little bit, so if that’s you as well, be prepared to hear it a lot here. BUT – it happens to be a very real, very important part of our overall health. If you have not yet heard of a microbiome, it refers specifically to the microorganisms living in your intestines (Healthline).
If you have noticed an upset stomach, new food intolerance, or any of these other symptoms, you may need to seriously consider this topic as a solution to your woes.
There are a number of ways the gut is effected, as well as a number of ways you can ensure a healthy microbiome. I’ve collected the top recommendations from each to help you in your overall health journey.
Gut Health and the Bad News
IBS expert, Kate Scarlata created this “FODMAP Diet” checklist to help people understand which foods could be harmful to their gut health. If you’re having stomach issues, try cutting out one or two of these items at a time and see if it helps – you just may discover your Achilles’ heel! (We apologize in advance if it ends up being your favorite fruit.)
Stress is inevitable, but unfortunately it often has negative effects on our health. Not just our microbiome, but our mind, our weight, and our muscles (Stress management). It may seem unlikely, but our brain ultimately impacts what happens to our body. The stress you hold – whether from day-to-day life or from a significant situation – can have a heavy toll on your body. Notice the next time you’re in a high stress situation or day where your stress manifests in your body.
Gut Health and the Good News
Probiotics are being used in studies including their influence on weaned/stressed piglets. Positive results were drawn from probiotic supplements in their diet. Fortunately, we have multiple ways of getting these types of beneficial bacteria besides pill supplements. Fermented foods have naturally beneficial microbes to boost your gut health – like sauerkraut – for example.
Additional studies are being done in order to determine the affect the gut has on our brains as well as the way we digest foods. It’s incredible what our body can accomplish if we provide it with the proper tools. Food, mental health, and gut health all contribute to our body’s sustainability. This means that we have some control over our health which is great news!
Gut Health and Food
Looking for the right foods to improve your gut health? Try this comprehensive list with details on each and how they can help you with different challenges. They recommend foods like kimchi, beans, and apples, even chocolate! Incorporate your favorites into your diet or let this be an opportunity to try new things.
Natural foods in general, or whole foods, can contribute to your overall health. Try avoiding pre-made meals, boxes, or “processed” foods for a while and then collect insight into how you feel. You can track your sleep, your food, and/or your stress levels with a number of helpful apps – or even pen and paper – just track it. It will help provide the insight you need to determine what really makes you feel happy and alive.
Solutions
First and foremost, speak with your doctor. Explain your symptoms as they may be indicating something very different than yogurt can cure.
There are many ways to improve your gut health and its microbiome. Choose a couple and stick to them to see if your symptoms improve. If not, try another couple in addition, or instead, until you learn what works best for you. Every person and every belly is different.
Healthline also believes that “Slow and Steady Wins the [digestive] Race” in your body. The Portion Fork was created and designed specifically to encourage this particular aspect of your health.
Stress’s impact on your health can have far-reaching consequences, even beyond your gut health. Some fantastic solutions can include meditation, exercise, even arts & crafts. There are some additional great tips from Shape if these don’t suit your fancy as well!
No matter the solution, make sure it fits the best with you and your lifestyle. Make it fun and you’ll even want to stick to it, but getting started will be exciting if you allow the opportunities to flow.
