The Power Of Your Gut
People are often unaware of the power of their gut. And just to be clear, this means your digestive organs like your stomach, your small intestine, and your large intestine.
Because how your food gets digested determines the nutrients available to nourish the body. It determines whether you are inflamed and sickly or vibrant and healthy.
In fact, the digestive system is considered as one of the body’s centers of immunity.
And just to be extra clear, you do not need to be experiencing digestive problems to be experiencing gut problems (though that is definitely a good indication!).
In fact, any imbalance or illness probably has at least some connection with your gut. And, so you might start to understand why taking care of your digestive system is so important.
Your Bathroom Habits
Ok, take a deep breath. Because I am about to talk about something that makes most people very uncomfortable. I will let you in on a secret. It makes me uncomfortable too. But, it is important.
Your bathroom habits are an indication of whether your digestive system is in a place of health or in a place of imbalance. And this is important information for not only your future health, but also your current waistline.
Because, when the digestive system is imbalanced, you are also much more likely to gain weight. So as uncomfortable as it is, taking note of what happens in the bathroom is important.
Bowel movements should happen easily without strain. And they should be solid and well formed, like a banana. For a more complete chart on the topic, you can check here.1
If you need to strain to “go”, that indicates constipation. When fecal matter sits for extended periods in the colon, rotting waste gets reabsorbed by the body. And I do not think I need to explain why that is problematic.
But, the opposite situation is not any better. Bowel movements that are loose, badly formed or watery are an indication of food moving through the digestive system too quickly.
The nutrients from what you eat are unlikely to be absorbed. So your efforts to eat healthy are being sabotaged by a digestive system that is just dumping out your good intentions.
Listen To What Your Gut Is Saying
As uncomfortable as it is, it is important to pay attention to what your gut is saying.
So, if you have been ignoring your digestive system for too long, now is the time to take notice. Because only with knowledge can you start to heal.
Other Symptoms Of A Gut Imbalance
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms with a gut imbalance. Here are some other potential signs that something is amiss with the digestive system:
- Indigestion
- Skin Problems
- Autoimmune Disease
- Seasonal Allergies
- Migraines
- Lack of Energy
- Cloudy Thinking
- Insomnia
Why This Is Happening?
There are many reasons there might be an imbalance in the gut.
Here are some very common examples – a history of antibiotic/birth control pill usage, too much stress, too much sugar, a highly processed diet, food sensitivities, body infections, and/or dehydration.
How To Help The Gut
While there is no easy answer, there are some steps that must be taken to help regain health in gut.
- First, you must remove whatever is contributing to the imbalance. This might mean eating less sugar, consuming more whole foods and determining which foods are creating a negative response in the gut.
- Second, you need to replenish the gut flora with beneficial bacteria. This can be achieved by eating fermented foods like kimchi, tempeh, and kambucha. However, many imbalances are advanced enough to require a higher dose probiotic supplement. Taking prebiotics are also beneficial.
- Third, focus on healing the gut. Here is a list of various nutrients used to repair the gut like – glutamine, raw coconut oil, flax seeds, vegetable juices, raw vegetables, digestive enzymes. These are not the only beneficial options, but this list is a good place to start. Try to include at least 3 of these daily when repairing the gut.
Health And Weight Loss
Whether you want to feel healthier and more vibrant in your own life; or maybe you just feel stuck in a rut with your mood or your energy. Or you are battling the scale without permanent results. Then you probably need to look to your gut!
Society tells us not to talk about certain topics. But, their discussion is imperative to good health. So start becoming aware. And from there, you can start to heal.
References
