Supporting healthy gut Microbes
Gut health is all the rage these days and for good reason. The state of our gut health, can also determine the state of our mental health. Our brain and gut are constantly in constant cross communication with each other every second of the day. So, when feelings arise, like anger, fear, or excitement, our gut reacts via different contractions to those emotions. It’s important we understand the function of our gut microbiota so that we are taking care of our mental health.
Someone asked me recently what perfect gut health looked like and well, perfect gut health in my opinion doesn’t exist. Ooof, I’m going there and I promise something positive will come out of this, so please stick with me! I believe we can do everything in our power to take the journey of optimal gut health, but we’re not always going to get it right. I don’t know that any one human can ever arrive to perfect health, because we’re simply that. Human. Life will throw a million transitions and stressors our way, there will be things out of our control no matter how much we get right with our nutrition and lifestyle. If we’re stressing over the perfect meal or constantly stressing over everything in our lives, our gut is going to be a wreck, then mix that in with medications and environmental factors. We don’t control every aspect of our life. However, here’s your reminder that you are human and I hope you get to live the human experience without worrying and stressing over every little thing. Including your health. I’m not saying we don’t take action toward optimal healing, I just think we need to find the balance for our individual needs. When you’re working toward optimal gut health you’ll be able to live a life that is full and extraordinary because you’re taking steps to heal your body!
Now, let’s get back to understanding our gut microbiota and how to support it. Throughout life, beginning in our mother’s womb our gut microbes begin to form and they are always shifting and changing. The gut microbiota’s cells change depending on the environment we live in, dirt we play in, and the food we eat. The diversity of gut microbes vary over the lifetime of a person and changes throughout our life. The gut microbiota is important for support of the digestion, immune and brain function.
Gut microbes are key players in our overall health, they supply certain nutrients throughout our body, supports digestion, and supports different nerve functions. If your gut health becomes weakened or disrupted it can cause Dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, cancer, autism, and mental health diseases.
What causes our gut microbes to become dysfunctional?
Eating processed foods
Antibiotics
Chronic stress
Toxins- environmental, personal care products, cleaning products
Too much sugar
Low stomach acid
Medications
Though there are areas in our life we cannot control what happens to our gut, there are also lots of areas we can take back the control. Show the gut who’s boss if you will. Here are a few of my top favs to support your gut microbiota
Eat in parasympathetic state
Eat more fiber
Eat gut healing foods like bone broth, and okra, gelatin
Stay away from processed foods and sugar
Manage Stress
Stay hydrated-LMNT electrolyte packets
Eat nuts and legumes that are sprouted or soaked
Eat local and in season produce
Eat fermented foods
Increase probiotics, with help of practitioner
Supporting your gut health will in turn support your mental health. How are you supporting your gut today?
