“All Disease Begins in the Gut” - Do’s & Don’t’s for Digestive Health

The father of modern medicine was onto something in his recognition of gut health as a root for disease. It is only in recent years that science has really begun to understand what Hippocrates alluded to; research has found that what was once thought to be a fairly simple and isolated body system is actually involved with much more than we once thought.

Immune response. Hormone regulation. Vitamin production, and vitamin and mineral absorbency. Neurotransmitter production. Ability to eliminate toxins. Brain and mental health and functioning.

A healthy gut is one of the foundations of overall health and wellness, impacting many vital roles and systems in the body. Autoimmune disorders, endocrine disorders, mood, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and even cancer have been associated with poor gut health. With over. 70% of Americans experiencing gastrointestinal issues on a regular basis, this becomes quite concerning - all the more considering how many people leave their digestive issues untreated.

Some common digestive issues include:

• Crohn’s Disease

• Peptic Ulcer Disease

• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Constipation

• Celiac Disease

• Chronic Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Gallstones

• Abdominal Pain

• Gas & Indigestion

• Acid Reflux/GERD

Digestive issues are so common that many people don’t even realize the greater threat they pose, it’s something they just live with, and many may even consider it normal.

The question is: How do we deal with it, not just the symptoms we may face but the larger implications for our overall health?

The first step is to identify if you have an unhealthy gut. Some common signs of an out-of-whack digestive system include:

• Joint Pain

• Food Intolerances

• Unintentional Weight Changes

• Constant Fatigue

• Headaches

• Sleep Issues

• Skin Irritations/Sensitivities

• Autoimmune Conditions

• Sugar Cravings/High Sugar Diet

• Upset Stomach (Gas, Heartburn, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea)

The next and most important step is: Following the Do’s and Don’t’s of cultivating a healthier gut.

Don’t:

• Eat Too Quickly

• Consume Large Amounts of Processed Food

• Eat Late at Night

• Drink Excess Alcohol

• Smoke or Vape

• Consume Excess Refined Carbohydrates
  

Do:

Drink Bone Broth Regularly - Bone broth is chock full of amino acids, collagen, and other nutrients that support gut health. Drinking it regularly promotes probiotic balance and can help heal leaky gut syndrome. In addition to improving gut health, drinking bone broth also touts other benefits as well, including boosting immune function, fighting pain and inflammation, improving food intolerances,

and promoting healing and balances for a range of digestive issues such as IBS, Crohn’s, acid reflux, and ulcerative colitis. Special note: store-bought “stock” is not the same thing as bone broth, the best options are to either make it yourself or check out your local health food store for the real thing.

Eat Whole, Real Foods - Minimize sugar, gluten, and refined carbohydrates, maximum healthy, unprocessed food. Don’t forget healthy fats, like avocado, coconut oil, meat and eggs. Opt for organic, grass-fed, and pastured whenever possible. In addition to cultivating gut health, eating more whole, real foods will boost overall health and can promote healthy weight.

Incorporate Probiotics into Your Diet and Nutritional Regimen - Fermented foods are the best way to encourage gut microbiome health and diversity, including kombucha tea, kefir, and sauerkraut. High quality probiotic supplements are also an option. Different strains have been found to have different benefits, and stability is also important, so don’t just reach for the first supplement you can find. If you need custom guidance, contact us to schedule a food therapy or health coaching appointment!

Try Acupuncture - One research study found that acupuncture was more effective than antacids for resolving symptoms. Countless other studies have documented the efficacy of acupuncture for bloating, indigestion, and other digestive issues. Bonus: Acupuncture also relieves stress and other issues that may play a role in digestive flare-ups, and severity and frequency of symptoms.

Other "Do’s" include chewing food thoroughly and mindfully, staying hydrated, managing stress, and exercising. We also recommend talking to your doctor, nutritionist, or holistic provider about zinc, glutamine, and other potentially beneficial supplements to improve gut health.

Improve your gut to boost your overall health -> Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

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