What’s Up with The Gut?
I absolutely love this question!! For hundreds of years the gut was regarded only as a transportation tube for food but we now know, the gut is not only essential for digestion, it is the heart and soul of our immune system and impacts our overall health. How? Let’s take a closer look at how the gut influences your health and how you can support it..
Hormone Balance: our gut microbiome helps metabolize our hormones, including the little beauty estrogen. Imbalances in gut bacteria impact hormone levels, affecting our menstrual cycles and menopause symptoms. It’s rough when the gut is unhappy, right!?
Immune Function: healthy gut microbiome helps protect you against pathogens, infections and inflammation (the basis of all disease). Women with a strong immune system are better equipped to combat illness, manage O-pause symptoms and maintain overall health.
Weight Management: imbalances in the gut contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle choices can support weight management and overall metabolic health.
Digestive Health: a healthy gut is necessary for proper nutrient absorption. Women need adequate nutrients to support hormonal health and energy levels.
The best way to support the health of your gut is being mindful of what you put into your mouth. Think probiotic rich foods, such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi. Probiotics are key to healthy & happy microbiome.
Aid your digestion in the gut with High-Fiber Foods. Yes take it back to basics, what goes in, must come out! Increase your daily consumption of fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes. Think of this as mini cleanse with real wholesome food.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce inflammation in the body, the underlying cause of all disease. Clients often ask which foods are anti-inflammatory and here a few of my favorites - berries, fatty fish, broccoli, avocado, turmeric, bone broth, mushrooms. Tip - if broccoli is hard to eat by itself, cut it up into small pieces and throw It in your omelette. Find an avocado too rich, throw half of one into your protein shake.
Limit Sugar and Processed Foods. Not only will these foods zap your energy, cause havoc with your weight management and blood sugar levels, they will disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria.
Ask yourself: “What’s one piece of food I can add to my plate this week, to support & improve my gut health?” Start with one simple addition and build from there.
Cheers to a happy and healthy gut!
Love Jessica
Your Transformative Health Coach
