My Top 5 gut health tips
So after recently just putting out my Gut Health Recipe E-book (which you can purchase here) I had an influx of messages asking what my top gut health tips are on top of just nutrition or “food as medicine”. The idea of swapping your dinners to a warming soup every night is an incredible place to start for many reasons, some of which are:
Full of bone broth & slowly cooked stocks which contain high levels of glutamine, gelatine and collagen which all help to repair the gut lining
It’s warming and in Chinese Medicine they believe warming foods help to repair the gut and alleviate symptoms due to the warmth increasing metabolism as well as circulation and blood to the area.
Easy to digest, therefore reducing the load on the gut and allowing it time to heal itself
However, outside of food as medicine there are some key things I recommend to my clients to help improve their gut health.
1.Do a comprehensive gut test
A comprehensive gut test is something we can order for you or you can purchase prior to your appointment here. Comprehensive gut testing plays a pivotal role in crafting an effective gut healing strategy. It provides the information needed to understand your exact microbiome, outlining exactly what is imbalance, if you have any infections, parasites or potential food sensitivities.
This allows the creation of a specific treatment plan tailored to you. We can choose the correct probiotics as we know which forms of bacteria you have too much of or too little of. We can also identify we there is harmful bacteria we need to eradicate, or if there are any specific dietary recommendations we need to make to specifically target the root cause.
A comprehensive gut test is key to serving up personalised, science-backed care allowing you to heal the root cause of your gut issues, therefore fixing them long term into the future rather than just temporarily alleviating symptoms.
2.Increase your water intakE
Boosting water intake aids gut healing by enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption. Water facilitates the movement of food through the digestive tract, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. Constipation and suboptimal bowel motions are often a common root cause of people’s gut issues due to the high levels of stress in our modern day lives. Therefore simply increasing your water intake can help to alleviate a lot of your symptoms.
Water also also supports the mucous lining of the gut, shielding it from irritation. Adequate hydration promotes a healthier gut microbiome and aids in the elimination of toxins. Additionally, it helps maintain overall gut health by reducing the risk of inflammation and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes. In essence, water is a simple yet powerful tool in the journey towards a healthier, happier gut.
3.Start taking a probiotic
A probiotic is a great way to start healing your gut outside of simply changing your diet. They can help to introduce “beneficial” bacteria to the digestive system. These “good” bacteria restore microbial balance, strengthening the gut's natural defences. They can also enhance nutrient absorption, reduce inflammation, and support a robust immune system (as fun fact: 80% of our immune system is located in the gut). Probiotics also help to alleviate digestive issues like diarrhoea, IBS and bloating. Their positive impact on gut health can be a game-changer, promoting overall well-being and vitality.
However, it is super important to understand the diversity of probiotics out there, and without the advice of an integrative health practitioner or holistic health practitioner it is easy to be taking the complete wrong probiotic for your issues. Seeing a Naturopath means we can recommend the correct probiotic that helps to specifically target YOUR digestive symptoms. You can book in here.
4.reduce your stress
In the journey to heal your gut, stress reduction is a non-negotiable pit stop. Why? Because stress has a profound impact on your gut health. When stress hormones go haywire, they can throw digestion off-kilter, disrupt your gut's harmony, and weaken its defenses. Chronic stress can even trigger inflammation and alter your gut's microbial makeup. So, managing stress through techniques like mindfulness and relaxation isn't just about peace of mind; it's your ticket to a healthier gut. Remember, a serene mind and a happy gut go hand in hand, highlighting the intricate link between our mental and physical well-being.
5.move your body
Exercise elevates blood flow and dials down inflammation, setting the stage for healing. It jump-starts the gut, ensuring smooth bowel movements and a flourishing microbiome. What's more, it releases anti-inflammatory agents that provide relief from gut discomfort. Plus, exercise keeps weight in check, reducing the risk of gut issues tied to obesity. Beyond that, it fortifies your immune system. In essence, it's a non-negotiable for a happier, healthier gut.
To book in an appointment today so I can create you a fully customised plan to heal your gut, then click here!