Gut Health: The Foundation of Total Wellness

Gut health has been quite a buzz word the last few years. Health advocates, fitness professionals and online doctors have used the word “support your gut” or “feed your microbiome.” What does this mean?

Gut health is another name for your “digestive system.” Microbiome is the entire community of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses). Most of this can be found in the gut or on the skin. The digestive system is responsible for over 70-80% of your TOTAL immune system. If your gut health is not optimal, you’re going to have problems. A compromised gut can become this way because of lack of good sleep, continuous stress, and a diet full of processed foods and refined sugar. Overuse of antibiotics can also be a culprit. Antibiotics can help clear out some infections, but it can also destroy your entire rain forest in your gut which is essential for fighting off sickness and infections. It can take up to a year to build that microbiome back up. Multiple rounds of antibiotics can make it impossible to stay well consistently.

What are the signs of a poorly working digestive system? Not having regular bowel movements can be a huge sign of a poor working digestive system. Everyone should be moving stool 2-3 times a day. If you are not, toxins are staying put in your system and causing long-term issues with your health. If you have lots of bloating, gas or heartburn, your gut is in need of some attention. If you feel continuously sluggish and moody; this can also be a sign of a poor working digestive system.

What are some ways to support a healthy immune system or gut? Hydration would be my number one. We are made up of 75% water. It is essential for so many processes to work properly. We need water for joint lubrication, to move stool, for brain performance, and supporting organ and overall health. For women, 95oz is a good rule. If you do a lot of exercise or have a very physical job, you can certainly take in more water.

Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles are an excellent way to put “good guys” back in your gut. Sauerkraut and kimchi are two different types of fermented cabbage. Kimchi is spicier. Kimchi can be found down from the produce section at your grocery stores. If you cannot handle eating it by itself, put it on a sandwich with some clean, organic meats. Our bodies need sour foods.

Olives, sourdough bread, and kefir are a few more examples of foods or drinks which can build your digestive system. Milk kefir is a liquid type of yogurt which is made by combining kefir grains and milk in a jar, covering it loosely and letting it ferment at room temperature for 12-24 hours until thickened. Strain and drink. Lifeway is a good brand found at many Hyvees and Wal Marts in the yogurt section. My kids like it.

Another suggestion for building a healthy immune system is sipping on kombucha. My son and I love to share it. It is a fermented tea. We love the Synergy brand at Hyvee down past the produce section. They have many different flavors. I know there are other brands, but this is our favorite we have tried. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a little glass of water can be effective for digestive health as well.

I hope these suggestions can help any of you struggling with indigestion or any other discomfort regarding gut health. Sometimes our body needs a reset and more support. I also implemented juicing veggies and some fruits for a few days to give my digestive tract a rest from digestion. This proved to be very healing for me and calming when I was struggling earlier this year.

Whew! I know this was a lot to take it, but I truly believe addressing gut health should be the start to your health journey. It lays the foundation for a lot of other things. We want to be well and STAY well! Do you want to start feeling better? This is an excellent place to start.

Please find me on FB @vital women’s health. I will be sharing more in depth there about various health topics, healthy swaps for recipes, education and encouragement, and even have some fun giveaways! If you have any further questions, please message me or reach out. Thank you for being here, and I am here to cheer you on to a better, healthier YOU!

Proverbs 4:20-22- My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.

Be blessed my friends. When we “know” better, we can “do” better!

All my love,
Emily