Q&A: WTF is “gut health”?
WTF is “gut health”?
Gut health is a popular topic lately and it seems pretty self explanatory at first, but what does it actually mean? What do we talk about when we say “gut health” and then how do we improve our gut health?
Essentially it refers to the health of your digestive system, which in large part refers to the good bacteria that lives there.
So how do you know if your gut health is out of balance?
Of all the things I’ve read about symptoms of poor gut health, the most common ones are digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, food allergies or sensitivities, mood swings, anxiety, skin problems like acne or eczema, autoimmune diseases, getting sick often, and poor memory.
Obviously those symptoms aren’t all mutually exclusive to poor gut health, but you get the idea: it’s not doing you any favors if your digestive system is struggling.
And how do we get it back on track?
Get rid of anything in your diet that tends to be inflammatory, like refined sugars & carbs, corn, soy, and dairy. It’s not forever, but it IS while you get things back on track and then in small doses after that.
Add some fermented foods to your diet like yogurt (it can be dairy-free), sauerkraut, kombucha, and add a good quality probiotic to your morning routine.
Also, for me, I realized eating a little LESS has actually helped me BIG TIME. Somewhere along the way I started eating much bigger meals… BIG breakfasts, FULL lunches, and MASSIVE dinners. I never felt fully digested or light, or even hungry! I started cutting my portion sizes to the point where I’d eat until I stopped feeling hungry, but not until I was stuffed.
And above everything, try to make sure you’re managing your stress, too.
That’s your gut health 101 😉
Now over to you: tell me– how do you keep your digestion and gut health in check? Any of the above?
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7 Comments
Erich M
June 21, 2017 at 6:16 amA good time for me to do a fridge inventory. Thank you for the advice!
Lori
June 21, 2017 at 7:56 amGreat topic! I have a question about probiotics. I’ve shopped for probiotics at big box stores and health food stores, but I’m overwhelmed by all the choices. Can you explain what to look for in a good quality probiotic? Thanks!
Lisa Schlesinger
June 26, 2017 at 8:55 amA good probiotic needs to be refrigerated, just like a good Kombucha and sauerkraut found in the refrigerated section so that the good bacteria stays alive. Go to your local drugstore and talk to your pharmacist about what might be appropriate for you.
Christin Slyngman
June 21, 2017 at 10:57 amAwesome topic! I discovered Plexus during my second pregnancy and it has been AMAZING!
Carrie Ann
June 21, 2017 at 3:02 pmLOVE plexus!!!
Michaelyn M.
June 21, 2017 at 11:00 amGreat information! I, personally, have a glass of warm lemon water every morning when I wake up. It helps to alkalize the stomach. If I don’t have lemon water, I’ll make 1 cup warm water, 2 tbs apple cider vinegar, 2 drops lemon oil (or use real lemon), 1 tsp. Both are a great way to start the day and…ummm…keep things moving. Haha!
Carrie Ann
June 21, 2017 at 3:01 pmLOVE the talk about gut health!! I am a Plexus ambassador and use it daily as well!! Plexus is THE gut health company! Love their all natural, non gmo, gluten free products and how they make my gut so so happy! 😁