Want to improve your gut health? We all could use a bit of that because it affects us in so many ways! Check out these expert tips on how to boost your gut health and live healthier today!
Your gut is often the first to sense when something is off, hence the term “gut feeling.” Think of your gut as the epicenter of your health – it’s packed with good and bad bacteria that influence your overall well-being. Keeping it healthy is crucial for tackling gastrointestinal issues, managing your weight, and maintaining mental health.
Creating the right balance of bacteria in your digestive tract starts with what you eat. One of the biggest challenges in eating healthy is cutting out refined sugars and artificial sweeteners found in processed foods. These sugars feed bad bacteria, allowing them to thrive, and starches, made of glucose molecules (a type of sugar), can also contribute to this imbalance. Excess glucose is stored in your liver, muscles, and fat deposits.
Your body also needs good fats for proper brain function and healthy cell building. A balanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats can be achieved by eating fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel and adding nuts such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts to your diet. These nuts can help protect against heart disease. It’s also wise to reduce butter consumption and opt for unsaturated oils like vegetable, canola, and olive oil.
Homemade soups and stocks are beneficial as they pack various minerals into one meal. Ingredients like animal bones provide essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that help with digestion, bone density, and efficient protein use.
Living foods, which have active enzymes, play a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption. These include raw and fermented foods like raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouted grains, and unpasteurized dairy products such as sour cream yogurt or buttermilk.
Good bacteria, known as probiotics, are vital for gut health. Sometimes, food alone isn’t enough to maintain the right levels, so probiotic supplements can help. Additionally, fermented cod liver oil, rich in vitamins A and D and omega-3 fats, is a great addition to your diet.
Balancing nutrition can be tricky given the vast amount of information out there. To simplify, focus on avoiding processed foods and eliminating sugars, starches, and grains. This approach, known as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD Lifestyle), can significantly help maintain your gut health and overall well-being.
