Post #4 Repairing an unhealthy gut
Eat Slowly: Eating slowly and purposefully improves our ability to digest and absorb our food nutrients and reduces overeating thereby removing intestinal distress and weight gain.
Exercise: Studies have shown regular exercise improves the number and diversity of healthy gut flora. Exercise also improves metabolism of carbohydrates and reduces GI distress that can accompany eating.
Pre and Post Biotics: The ingestion of pre and post biotics improves the number and function of healthy gut flora and inhibit the growth of unhealthy bacteria like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth). Pre-Biotics include dandelion greens, garlic, and Leeks. Post-Biotic foods include fermented foods like Kefir, Sauerkraut and Yogurt.
Fiber: A diet containing both insoluble and soluble fiber creates a non-inflammatory and non-oxidative environment for our digestive tract allowing us to maintain optimum functional integrity of a healthy gut. Examples of insoluble fibers include beans and nuts, and soluble fibers include citrus fruits and apples.
Immune Boosting Foods: 75% of our immunity system lies in the gut so having a healthy and thriving gut immunity presence is essential for a healthy immunity system. Foods like garlic, mushrooms and onions promote our gut immunity system.
Sleep: Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night regularly is the bedrock of us being healthy. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that it is essential for a healthy gut.
As a Functional Medicine practitioner, I am available to assess your gut health and offer diet plans and modifiable lifestyle interventions that will improve gut health. If you are interested please feel free to ask me on your next visit.
