Many of us have gotten used to dismissing the notion that we are what we eat. But, maybe it's time to take another look.
While gut health is understated in many Western cultures, it's front and center in most traditional perspectives. And with good reason -- digestive health plays a huge part in our energy levels, weight management and metabolism, sleep, and beyond. In fact, according to studies from Johns Hopkins (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research/advancements-in-research/fundamentals/in-depth/the-gut-where-bacteria-and-immune-system-meet), "a huge portion of your immune system is actually in your GI tract."
Perhaps this explains why topics like healthy eating are all the more amplified when viruses and flu seasons are upon us.
In simple speak, our digestive systems, AKA guts, are the complex organs that work together to both absorb key nutrients from foods and rid our bodies of metabolic waste. Both aspects have to function optimally for total body wellness. If we're to introduce poor foods in our diets, we cannot expect a great return in terms of energy and health. If we're chronically stressed or anxious, we may not be absorbing maximum benefits from the foods we eat, even if they're high quality. And, if our digestive systems are backed up or malfunctioning, there are arguably more toxins and metabolic waste products lingering in our bodies.
So, gut health is of paramount importance. And how you support the entire bacterial world inside your gut can make a tremendous impact on the way you navigate everyday life.
How to support a healthy gut
- Drink plenty of water
- Supplement your fiber
- Slow down and properly chew your food
- Exercise to manage stress levels
- Curb your alcohol and caffeine intake
- Go on a digestive cleanse
- Regulate your sleep schedule
- Rid your diet of processed and artificial foods
Support your gut and support your immune system. Start today!
