Gut Health 101
About 70% of your immune system is found in the gut. A healthy body and mind links back to our gut health. An unhealthy gut can make you feel fatigued, cause skin irritations, upset stomach, and unintentional weight changes. These are just a few of the conditions that have been linked to poor gut health.
Our gut plays a role in:
Immunity
Nutrient absorption
Hormone balance
Digestion
Metabolism and energy
3 Ways to improve your gut health:
Increase fiber intake: include plenty of non-starchy veggies, high-fiber fruit, nuts/seeds, legumes, prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, leeks, bananas, barley, oats. Prebiotic foods help feed the healthy bacteria in the gut. Aim to get 25-35g of fiber every day
Stay hydrated: getting plenty of water can help digestion and keep things moving (bowel movements should be regular!). Aim to get 70-100 ounces of water daily
Reduce these inflammatory foods/drinks: alcohol, refined grains and oils, added sugar, highly processed foods
Takeaway: Take care of your gut with a well balanced diet. Choose a variety of foods and stay hydrated to encourage a healthy gut microbiome to stay healthy!
Need more help with nutrition? Schedule a free 15 minute phone call with me!