Gut Health & The Magic of the Microbiome
Gut health, gut health programs and our microbiome are all the buzz lately and for good reason!
Did you know that our microbiome is the epicentre of much of our health? In fact, 70-80% of our immune system is in our gut. Our gut health can also impact our energy levels, mood, brain fog and healthy (or not-so-healthy) skin.
“A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person's stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression. That's because the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected.” - Harvard Health
Needless to say, it’s important to get your gut health in check so you can maximize your overall health and well-being.
Here are 6 tips I follow to maintain a healthy gut:
Take a Synbiotic. This is a probiotic with a prebiotic (which is the food for the probiotic. They’re great for getting rid of bloating, adding billions of healthy bacteria to your gut, improving digestion and increasing regularity.
Drink lots of water. As warm/hot as you can - with lemon or lime. I had my first colonoscopy after m mom died of colon cancer when she was 53 and I was 29. After my colonoscopy, I got a letter to take home titled “How to have a healthy colon”. The top tip was to drink lots of HOT water throughout the day with lemon or lime to alkaline your system.
Move your body daily. We are made to MOVE. We live very sedentary lives today - working behind a desk or computer has contributed to increased obesity rates. Exercise, weights, and resistance training are all great. The most simple and effective thing you can do daily is walk! Walking outside is exceptional for body, mind and spirit and contributes to good mental health.
Avoid inflammatory foods & eat a healthy diet; especially alcohol, gluten, dairy & processed sugars. For most people, these foods cause inflammation. Even taking a break for 2 weeks or 30 days allows you to listen to your body by eliminating these inflammatory foods to see how your body responds (and how much better you feel).
Increase your fibre. Through sources of fibre including barley, chickpeas, lentils, berries, pears and more. A clean fibre supplement can be very helpful and an easy way to get your daily fibre.
Manage your stress. STRESS can do a number on your gut health. I know for me personally, I FEEL all of my stress in my stomach. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress left unchecked can contribute to a variety of health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Ways to reduce stress that work for me include: meditating, affirmations, walking (number 3 above), reading, listening to positive and educational books on audio - podcasts and YouTube videos, managing boundaries with toxic people, and doing work that inspires and grows you.
Have you experienced any gut issues? If the answer is YES, then you are not alone!
Seven years ago I began to educate myself about gut health and make changes in my diet and I have felt my healthiest as a result. It’s a worthwhile investment in your overall health.
If you are interested in starting your gut health journey, click below to learn more about my #1 gut reset program
Grateful to be on this journey with you! I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Thank you for being here.
Never forget one person can make a difference…. that one person is YOU.
With so much love,
Your friend,
Kim xo
