Whether it’s about washing hands more often or or sipping on more water or working out, health has suddenly become a priority for all. While your health may differ from other individuals, there is one system in all of us that is responsible for our overall health. The Gut!
Yes, we are talking about our gastrointestinal system or our gut that includes our mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, colon and rectum.
A healthy gut is as important as having a strong immune system, better digestion, better sleep and brighter mood so considering a holistic approach to your gut health is something to think about.
It’s difficult to determine what we need to do and don’t for a healthy gut but here are excerpts from holistic health experts on how to recognize, obtain and maintain a healthy gut with a holistic approach.
Why Your Gut Health Is Important?
If you thought the sole focus of your gut is to maintain digestion, you need to read on ahead to know it is just one part of the system. The gut with its good bacterias is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat to provide us with energy and eliminate the waste. Our body is home to trillions of bacteria that live inside the gut’s microbiome and it is these microorganisms that help maintain functionality and homeostasis.
But not all bacteria are good!
Bad bacteria can cause digestive issues and other imbalance in the system but the good bacteria stops them from growing along with protecting the cells in the intestines, promoting digestion, enhancing immune system function and fighting depression.
A good way to grow good bacteria is by consuming prebiotics and probiotics along with eating a wide range of plant-based food, fibre and avoiding processed foods.
How To Know If Your Gut Is Unhealthy?
Upset stomach, diarrhoea, heartburn, fatigue, irritation, irregular sleep, brain fog all are signs that some bad bacteria is working your gut. If you have been dealing with these issues for some time now, you should focus on practicing some gut-friendly strategies with your holistic health practitioner.
What Are The Major Factors Behind An Unhealthy Gut?
The bad bacteria in our gut feed on high sugar and fat food creating more bad bacteria. Besides food, stress also causes dysfunction in our gut’s microbiome. Other factors that affect our gut health in a bad way are exposure to mould, ozone, chemicals, medications and other environmental changes including toxins in our food.
What Are Some Gut-Healthy Strategies For Me?
Gut health is relative to each person and their environment but some strategies and natural health treatments would work for all.
- Prebiotics
- Probiotics
- Fibre-rich food
- Regular exercise
- Techniques to relieve stress
- Healthy digestion
To maintain a healthy gut, eat healthily, switch to healthy lifestyle habits and you will have healthy bowel movements that will also help to keep your gut healthy. Want to know how healthy bowel movements look like? The Bristol Stool Chart can help you evaluate your faeces based on its shape and consistency.
How Can I Tell If Everything Is Working Fine?
A good sign of a healthy gut is one where digestion goes unnoticed, you don’t notice your digestion on a day-to-day basis. Also, it’s normal to feel bloated from time to time but if you are having trouble with your gut regularly then we recommend you ask a question about your gut health to a holistic health practitioner to learn about gut healthy strategies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
