Does it seem like everyone is talking about digestion? It’s because our digestive system plays a vital role in our whole-body health. If our digestion is poor our health will suffer and if it is regular, we will feel our best—from the inside out. Here are just a handful of ways that digestion impacts health and weight.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR GUT IS HEALTHY?
We often think of bacteria as something negative but there are 4 primary types of healthy bacteria in your gut. The key is in maintaining a healthy balance between your digestive bacteria. If you have too much or not enough of one or more bacteria you are likely to experience some symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Sugar cravings
- Food allergies
- Bad breath
- Mood swings
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Whole-body inflammation
- New skin conditions—rashes, eczema, or an increase in breakouts
While these symptoms are important to notice, ensure that your annual physical includes a stool sample to test for bacterial overgrowth.
BACTERIA AND WEIGHT GAIN
When your bacteria are off balance you will begin to crave more sugar to feed the overgrowth but you may not feel full as fast—and may feel hungry far before it’s time to eat. If you don’t balance your bacteria this can lead to rapid weight gain. Bacterial weight gain is more difficult to lose because your body will continue to send you mixed messages until you address your digestive troubles.
BACTERIA AND INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is a contributing factor to a long list of acute and chronic health concerns including an increased risk of heart health problems, kidney problems, pain, anxiety, and more. A diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats can increase internal and external inflammation, but so can having an unhealthy level of lipopolysaccharide bacteria which will release inflammation-causing chemicals into the bloodstream. By balancing your bacteria, you can rapidly boost your whole-body health.
HOW TO BALANCE YOUR GUT HEALTH
Even if your gut is currently healthy you want to keep it that way by taking a proactive approach. Minimizing processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats are essential for gut health. To keep your digestion moving drink at least 8 ounces of water each day and workout and stretch at least 5 days a week. Last but not least, feed your body more bacteria-balancing foods. This includes:
- Taking a probiotic supplement, liquid or capsule
- Eating fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchee, kefir, probiotic-infused dairy, miso, and kombucha
- Eat more prebiotic foods such as bananas, garlic, onion, whole grains, and artichokes
- Drink aloe vera juice or gel
- Eat more fiber-rich foods especially pumpkin and sweet potato
WITH PERSONALIZED NUTRITION GUT HEALTH IS BUILT-IN
Your gut health can be impacted by genetics and prescription medication, but most imbalances are caused by poor dietary choices. Regardless of the cause of your imbalance personalized nutrition can help. Improving your digestion is one of the many ways that the team at PNC can assist. We will build your new meal plan around your current health challenges and your health and wellness goals. And yes, your meals will be both delicious and nutritious!
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