So we are almost through the month of January, how are those new year’s resolutions for better health going? Today, we have another great article from our guest blogger Amanda Patrick from Bliss Health Coaching.
After eleven years of feeling exhausted and tired all the time because of my stomach issues, I finally decided enough was enough. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Lol! I decided to eliminate dairy, soy, egg, gluten and sugar (I only use stevia) in my diet and I have nearly eliminated all my symptoms. I now have energy throughout the day, and I don’t need to rely on caffeine as much any longer. I am a firm believer that my stomach is out of balance from years of eating an unbalanced diet. I know it’s a matter of time before my stomach can be healed and I can expand on my diet in the future. I am learning that its all about balance and moderation.
For those of you who are suffering from gut issues, I hope this article helps you on your journey towards great health in 2017.
How to Keep Your Gut Healthy
“All disease begins in the gut” –Hippocrates
Our digestive system plays an important role in our overall health.
We often don’t give it a thought until we are having problems such as diarrhea, constipation or bloating.
The gut is responsible for up to 80% of our immune system function as well as making neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Neglecting our gut health can lead to a number of problems such as mood disorders, acne, ADHD, eczema and autoimmune conditions. It really is the center of our health.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Bloating
Food Sensitivities
Thyroid Conditions
Acne
Eczema
Brain Fog
Allergies
Headaches
Weight Gain
Digestive Problems
What are some ways our gut gets damaged?
Eating too much sugar. Not only does sugar cause weight gain but it feeds the bad yeast and bacteria causing it to grow out of control. Eliminating sugar will bring relief to IBS and Chron’s patients. It is suggested that a Low Fodmap meal plan will bring the best results. Eating Low Fodmap ensures that the sugars in fruits and veggies are eliminated as to starve off the bad bacteria and yeast.
Stress. Being constantly stressed out really does damage the gut. Think about the last time you were stressed, you can literally feel it in your stomach. That’s because during stress, the fight or flight response is activated and stress chemicals are released in the body causing inflammation and halting digestion.
Pain medication. Over the counter pain killers like ibuprofen, (NSAID), aspirin and prescription pain killers are very hard on the gut and can lead to ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeds and leaky gut. Taking pain killers on a regular basis tears apart the gut.
Gluten. Foods containing high amounts of gluten can damage the intestinal lining. The proteins found in gluten are un-sprouted and contain large amounts of antinutrients called phytates and lectins and they like to attach to your intestine wall and cause inflammation and damage.
Repairing the gut doesn’t have to be complicated. By reducing sugar, stress and gluten you will be a step ahead of the game.
Adding in a nice warm homemade bone broth can speed up the repair process and sooth an inflamed gut.
Consider trying a probiotic (we love Prescript Assist) to help balance out the gut bacteria.
If you are struggling with bloating, a digestive enzyme makes a huge difference by helping break down the food in your bowels. Undigested food can ferment and lead to pressure and gas.
The best thing we can do for our bodies is to eat real foods, not processed foods that come from a box or a fast food place. Real ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables and clean meats. Consistently eating real ingredients will make a huge impact on your gut health.
You are worthy of a healthy body and you are worthy of feeling full of energy. Taking charge of your health is making small healthy changes at a time.
Reduce stress, remember to breath and be kind to your body…it will thank you with satisfying health.
Amanda Patrick
