Gut health. Like most other health related issues, it’s probably something you only think about when it’s not working right. For some people, digestive and intestinal trouble is an everyday issue, for others it’s only a problem on occasion. So what’s the deal with gut health, and what can you do to make sure your gut is taken care of? Let’s take a quick look at “the gut” first. The Gastro-Intestinal (GI) microbiome consists of about 1014 bacteria that are mainly located in the large intestine. All that bacteria has a big job, it provides energy for the gut wall from undigested food and it regulates the mucosal immune system, “not only educating the naive infant immune system but also serving as an important source of immune stimulators throughout life” [1]. The GI microbiota contributes to energy homeostasis, prevents mucosal infections and likely mitigates immune system hypersensitivity. It also contributes to the maintenance of an intact GI barrier, which seems to be closely related to infectious, inflammatory and allergic diseases [2,3]. That’s a lot of important tasks! No wonder more doctors are starting to realise the importance of gut health. So what can you do to make sure your digestive system is able to do the job it was made to do?

1. Stay Hydrated 

One of the best things you can do for your gut health is to stay hydrated. Just like not eating enough fibre, dehydration slows down your digestive system significantly because a harder stool is more difficult to pass. Drink plenty of water, especially after being out in the sun and after you exercise, you’ll need extra to replace what you lost through sweat. You’ll know when you’re getting enough water when your pee is clear all day long.

1. Limit Fats

In recent studies, high-fat diets have been shown to disturb the GI barrier and induce fatty liver disease. Fatty and fried foods are hard to digest, slow the process down, and tax a system that would otherwise run well. So what should you be eating? Go for meats that are lower in fat such as chicken and turkey. Switch from whole or reduced-fat dairy to low-fat or non-fat, and replace butter and margarine with olive oil.

1. Eat More Fibre

You might have heard that fibre is good to help relieve constipation. But it can also help with diarrhea. At first that doesn’t make sense, but it’s true.  Fibre slows down digestion and absorption so the glucose in food enters your bloodstream more slowly, keeping your blood sugar at a more even level. Additionally, fibre increases the weight and size of your stools, and by softening them, fibre helps them pass quickly. Or if you’re having trouble with diarrhea, it works by absorbing some of the fluid in the intestine to firm them up. Most American’s don’t get enough fibre in their diets, fibre supplements can be a convenien

t way to get your gut health back on track.

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. These “good bacteria” are good for more than just gut health too. They are particularly good at regulating the amount of healthy bacteria in your system and normalizing bowel movements. Some other conditions they have been found to help are skin conditions, oral health, and urinary track infections. Greek yoghurt is a good source of probiotics.

Sources:

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065426/#B24

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065426/#B20

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065426/#B30

With additives in foods and pesticides in crops we live in a toxic age. Sometimes all that toxic buildup can take its toll on the colon, which negatively affects digestion and overall health. When your colon is backed up with toxic material, your body becomes sluggish and unable to perform.

Buy Now!

About Dr. Jenny:

*Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.  The views and nutritional advice expressed by AgeVital Pharmacy are not intended to substitute for medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician or give us a call and schedule a consultation with one of our providers. ©AgeVital Pharmacy