Keeping our immune system strong is of the utmost importance especially during this time. Our gut health is so connected to our immune system health that we decided to focus in on helping you to get your gut even healthier!
The human gut is home to a hundred trillion microorganisms, give or take, including thousands of different species of healthy bacteria. The balance of these bugs is very important to your health! Yeasts, viruses, unfriendly bacteria and parasites are among other visitors in your gut. However, those bad bugs do not cause trouble when your gut is flourishing with the healthy bacteria.
The digestive tract is one of the most crucial aspects to one's health. Gut health links to the immune system (80% of the immune system is built in the gut), brain health, neurotransmitter (think feel-good hormones) creation, and more! Did you know that common conditions such as: allergies, eczema, anxiety, and even depression can be linked back to gut health? I often say, if I could support 1 body system on EVERYONE it would be the gut! Here are 3 simple ways to boost your gut health, naturally! Remember, to consult your healthcare practitioner before starting a new diet/supplement regimen.
1. COAT THE LINING OF THE GUT
Many people experience what is called "leaky gut". This means that the normally tightly packed cells that line the gut, have become porous, or leaky, thus resulting in inflammation and poor absorption, among other issues. One of my go-to recommendations is to take either l-glutamine or collagen powder (or both!) at the start of every day. Do this first thing in the morning to give your gut a nice gentle coating, helping it to heal and absorb the nutrients you are consuming on a daily basis. For high quality recommendations, stop by our office or check out our products online!
2. REMOVE FOOD SENSITIVITIES
This is the hardest step for most people, but the MOST important! It is impossible to heal the gut while eating an inflammatory diet. For 30 days, I recommend completely removing:
Processed sugar
Gluten (wheat)
Dairy
Corn
Soy
*bonus points for removing nightshade vegetables, too
The reason behind these specific recommendations is inflammation. The inflammatory process from these foods can be in your system for upwards of 12 weeks so “trying” this for 1 week will not yield the results you desire. Eating anti-inflammatory foods allows the gut to heal properly. Remove these foods and watch your tummy troubles disappear! A great reference guide to eating whole, clean food is the Whole30 program, which I recommend to patients quite frequently.
3. REPOPULATE THE MICROBIOME
It is crucial to have a healthy amount of good bacteria in the gut, and arguably everyone could benefit from taking a great quality probiotic. My favorite probiotics are spore based for their incredible resiliency. Spores actually survive the harsh acidic environment of the stomach while bacteria/probiotics generally to not. Additionally, sporebiotics have great immune system benefits. Read about my favorite and most recommended brand, MegaSporeBiotic, here. Sometimes, even before or while taking a pro/sporebiotic, you need to build back up the mucosal lining of the gut for protection. Specific Immunoglobulins like IgG (can be found in IgG2000 supplement and others) and MegaMucosa are a wonderful start for this.
I hope these steps help aide you on your journey to a healthy digestive tract! By coating the lining of the gut, cleaning up the diet, and having plenty of good bacteria, all other body systems will benefit!
Want more? Join us for our FREE health class ONLINE this month! You can learn more + RSVP, here.
Cheers to Happy Healthy Gut Bacteria!
Dr. Cari Jacobson