Healthy Gut

There has been a lot of research being published lately relating the importance of gut health and overall health (specifically weight loss and immunity). If you don’t already know there are good bacteria (health) and not so good bacteria (disease). Our bodies are COVERED in different type of bacteria and it is important that we understand how to maximize our gut bacteria to improve our health!  

Good bacteria are used for metabolizing nutrient and drugs, boosting the immune system and maintaining the structure and function of the oh so important intestines (Ewoldt, 2017). Ewoldt explains that an imbalance in the gut microbiota can lead to harmful effects such inflammation, arthritis, IBS, obesity, cancer and more.  

Before you panic there are certain factors that we can control to improve our gut health at home (Leonard, 2019):  

• Finding a good probiotic (at least 1-10 billion CFUs) and fermented foods 
  
• Prebiotics or complex carbs (the body cannot digest these foods efficiently so they are turned into food bacteria) 
  
•  Eating less sugar and sweeteners (these promote the growth of bad bacteria) 
  
• Reduce stress 
  
• Only taking antibiotics when necessary (they kill the good and the bad bacteria) 
  
• And of course, exercise (this increases the diversity of species of bacteria) 
  

Ewoldt, J. (2017, June 07). For a healthy gut, feed the good bugs. Retrieved May 24, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/for-healthy-gut-feed-good-bugs/art-20322495 

Leonard, J. (2019, May 28). 10 research-backed ways to improve gut health. Retrieved May 24, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325293 

Yours truly, 

Meg