Gut Health and Microbes- How Important Is It & 5 Ways To Help Improve It.

Our society drastically underestimates how powerful our gut is. Low levels of certain microbes have recently been linked back to depression and mental health disorders (don't shoot the messenger- do your research first!). Recent studies have even linked antibiotic use back to autism in children.

Our gut microbes are so powerful they can dictate everything we come to experience. Did you know that the microbes from an overweight female donor transplanted back into another woman who was not overweight, made the non-overweight woman gain weight- despite diet and exercising the same? That is why often times people refer to the gut as our secondary brain. Our gut microbe can detect many things about us, even our mood! I know this is personally true for me!

Recently I have been exploring underlying causes of my gut issues and how I can move forward with a healthier gut. I am an advocate of regular colonics, but what about those practical solutions you can implement at home?I have recently gathered my Nutrition Degree knowledge and education surrounding the importance of gut health (and the link between other health issues) as well information from great sources, to bring you the top 5 Ways to Help Improve Your Gut Health.

What can we do to have a healthy gut?

Click each title for recommended products

VEGAN PROBIOTIC

Probiotics are my main squeeze. They help to replenish the 'good bacteria'. This is the GO-TO product to ensure good gut health. Since our bodies are amazing, it is imperative to switch up your probiotics from time to time to allow for all strains.

NEEM POWDER

Something that caught my attention recently has been Neem Powder . (click the link for a great article written in LiveStrong Magazine). There are many health benefits to neem powder, but as written by Live Strong Magazine, in the article titled" What Are the Benefits of Neem Powder- the fact that intrigued me the most were the "additional immuno-modulating, anti-allergenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of neem [which] may help balance the immune system." Neem has so many great benefits, some including it supports healthy hormones, blood circulation, finger nails, used as ointment for eyes & ears, used for liver, joints, ligaments, bones & tendons, men & women are known for taking it to maintain healthy cells. As always consult your physician before taking anything!! There are side effects as well.

EAT MORE FERMENTED FOODS

Fermentation is a great way of replenishing healthy gut bacteria. According to fellow wellness mom, Wellness Mama; she states: "Fermented foods are foods that have been through a process of lactofermentation in which natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the food creating lactic acid. This process preserves the food, and creates beneficial enzymes, b-vitamins,Omega-3 fatty acids, and various strains of probiotics."

Avoid high sugar, processed foods as these fee the bad bacteria in our gut

VITAMIN B12

Due to its role in helping with digestive enzyme production, vitamin B12 is needed to support a healthy metabolism and the breakdown of foods within the stomach.

I love taking a shot of liquid B12 or taking my B12 capsules in the morning. Additional B12 helps through B12 production by bacteria in the small intestine. It also helps with getting my energy levels up, keeping me active. Since B12 is water soluble, there is no UI meaning you can't "OD" on B12.

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

I know- it's crazy right? Diatomaceous earth you can use to kill scorpions and other critters with an exoskeleton! Are you really going to ingest it?! Why YES!! Food grade Diatomaceous Earth has some great benefits to our health. It is not directly linked to good gut health, yet it is beneficial to our blood pressure, cholesterol, and hair/nail/skin growth. Everything is linked and tied back to each other. I also like to view the overall picture with health and maintaining wellness.

Let me know if you try any of these products, and if so, how they worked for you!

-Monica TIP

SOURCES:

The Autism Enigma, Missing MIcrobes, Brain Maker, The Good Gut, Live Strong Magazine, ADO Fitness.

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