Why is having a healthy gut so important?

Whilst some may say ‘gut health’ is just another diet trend, we can confirm it’s certainly not a passing fad. Join me as I decode what a healthy gut looks like, why it’s so important and how you can get there....

Back to Basics

Put simply, your gastrointestinal tract (also known as your gut) has a primary function to process digestion, absorb nutrients and excrete waste. Within the gut there are millions of micro-organisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Each person’s gut microbiome (think of this as the habitat of the micro-organisms) is completely unique and can be influenced by things like diet, overall health and genetics.

Gut health refers to the health of your entire digestive system and the health of the micro-organisms living there. So, why is it so important that we look after our guts and keep them as healthy as possible?

• Around 70% of the immune system is housed in our gut.

• Serotonin and dopamine (famously known as the happy hormones) are also produced in the gut. Many studies explore the gut-brain-microbiome axis and how it can impact mental health conditions.

• Regardless of how many healthy foods, vitamins and minerals you’re putting into your body, if you don’t have a healthy microbiome to digest it, you won’t reap the benefits.
  

An unhappy vs. happy gut

Now that you know the importance of keeping our guts healthy, what are the signs you need to look for when it comes to identifying an unhappy gut?

An unhappy gut

Include but are not limited to:

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Stomach pains, bloating or gas

• Headaches or brain fog

• Exhaustion or fatigue

• Skin rashes

• Weight changes

• Feelings of anxiety or depression

A happy gut

Include but are not limited to:

• Regular bowel movements

• Consistent energy levels

• Mental clarity

• Normal amount of gas or bloating

• No adverse reactions to foods

Your Gut Health Heroes  

So, it’s time to give your gut some loving and reap the benefits of all that comes with it. Whilst there are no quick fixes for good gut health, take the below steps and you’ll be well on your way…

Remember not all bacteria is bad

Don’t forget that the bacteria living in your gut is alive, so it needs something to feed on. This is where pre and probiotics come in.

Prebiotics are a type of fibre that act as a food for probiotics, these occur in many foods like fruits and vegetables, particularly garlic, asparagus, tomatoes, bananas and also oats. Good bacteria can be increased by taking probiotic supplements, like Core Moringa Triotic (which features three different strains) or by eating probiotic foods such as sauerkraut, yoghurt or kombucha.

IsaMove is also a great daily addition to gently support healthy digestion overnight thanks to age old ingredients like magnesium, peppermint, psyllium husk and hyssop.

Reduce sugar and processed foods

Multiple studies have shown that a high sugar diet can significantly affect and even eliminate the good gut bacteria. High volumes of sugar can also lead to inflammation in the body which can result in various diseases.

Ultimately an overall lifestyle shift is required for a healthy, happy gut. Think good nutrition and hydration, plenty of sleep and movement, limited stress and the addition of good bacteria. Trust us, your gut will thank you for it!

Minimise (or even cutting out!) alcohol

Let's say it how it is. Alcohol can have a profound effect on your gut health and can impact on what kind, and how many, good bacteria live there. Even a single episode of drinking can damage the gut wall and lead to malabsorption of essential vitamins and minerals.

Studies show that people who regularly drink alcohol have guts which look very different to those who drink little or no alcohol. Alcohol can lead to a leaky gut and low grade inflammation, in turn leading to autoimmunity, liver problems and chronic conditions.

What counts as excess drinking? Binge drinking for women is 4 or more drinks in 2-3 hours, 5 or more for men. Heavy drinking is 8 or more drinks in a week for women, 15 or more in a week for men.

Try a Cleanse Day (that’s my version of intermittent fasting)

While not for everyone, studies have shown that cleanse days significantly alter the gut microbiome towards a more ‘gut healthy’ favourable profile. One of my cleanse days is like a fast day, but with an amazing support drink 'Nourish for Life' which helps you maintain energy and a healthy metabolism through the fast.

Or my favourite easy fix, which has transformed my own gut health?

Exchanging one or even two meals each day with an Isalean shake. Along with the 24g protein, healthy carbs, 13 vitamins, 60 micronutrients and more, each shake has 8g fibre and a fabulous blend of enzymes and probiotics, to transform your digestive and gut health. A low budget, super easy fix. I love the chocolate as a bowl, with a scoop of jumbo oats and topped with hot berries and a sprinkle of linseeds. For breakfast AND lunch most days!

Maybe this could be your easy first step...?

Ultimate Health By Ellie