Introduction
Do you suffer from an unhealthy gut? If so, you’re not alone. An unhealthy gut can cause a variety of symptoms, including bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also lead to more serious health issues, such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, and even depression. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to heal your gut and improve your overall health. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best “unhealthy gut” healing secrets that really work. We’ll cover what to eat, what to avoid, and how to make lifestyle changes that will help you heal your gut and improve your overall health.
Unhealthy Gut Healing Secrets That Really Work — Eat This Not That
If you’re looking for ways to heal an unhealthy gut, you’ve come to the right place. An unhealthy gut can lead to a variety of health issues, including digestive problems, fatigue, and even autoimmune diseases. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help heal your gut and get back on the path to good health.
Eat This, Not That
The first step to healing an unhealthy gut is to make sure you’re eating the right foods. Eating a diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics can help to restore balance to your gut microbiome. Foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are great sources of probiotics, while foods like oats, bananas, and apples are great sources of prebiotics. Additionally, try to avoid processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, as these can all contribute to an unhealthy gut.
Get Moving
Exercise is another important part of healing an unhealthy gut. Exercise helps to reduce inflammation, which can help to reduce symptoms of an unhealthy gut. Additionally, exercise can help to reduce stress, which can also help to reduce symptoms. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and make sure to include some strength training as well.
Manage Stress
Stress can have a major impact on your gut health, so it’s important to find ways to manage it. Try to find activities that help you relax, such as yoga, meditation, or even just taking a walk. Additionally, make sure to get enough sleep each night, as this can help to reduce stress levels. Finally, try to practice mindful eating, as this can help to reduce stress levels and improve digestion.
Take Supplements
In addition to eating the right foods and getting enough exercise, taking supplements can also help to heal an unhealthy gut. Probiotic supplements can help to restore balance to your gut microbiome, while omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation. Additionally, certain herbs, such as turmeric and ginger, can also help to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
See a Doctor
If you’re still having trouble healing your gut, it’s important to see a doctor. A doctor can help to diagnose any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your gut issues, and can also provide advice on how to best manage your symptoms. Additionally, a doctor can also recommend medications or supplements that may help to improve your gut health.
Healing an unhealthy gut can be a long and difficult process, but it’s possible. By following these tips, you can start to make progress towards a healthier gut and a healthier you.
It’s no secret that our gut plays a vital role in our overall health and is linked to our immune system and brain, which has a direct negative impact on our general well-being if we don’t have a healthy gut. “A healthy gut is foundational to the health of the entire body because it is where 70-80% of our immune system resides. The microbes in the gut also play critical roles in regulating our metabolism, mood, and mental health, and, of course, digestion,” Dr. Sunjya K. Schweig, MD, an expert in complex chronic illnesses with California Center for Functional Medicine tells Eat This, Not That! Health. Harvard Health stated, “The brain has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines. For example, the very thought of eating can release the stomach’s juices before food gets there. This connection goes both ways. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression. That’s because the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected.” Having an unhealthy gut doesn’t just cause digestive issues, but other health concerns like thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. ETNT! Health spoke with Dr. Shomir Banarjee, a board-certified physician with Paloma Health who explained how to help heal unhealthy gut signs to watch out for. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Banarjee tells us, “An unhealthy gut is one that has an overabundance of bad bacteria. Surprisingly, there are more organisms in the human digestive tract than cells in the entire body. The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria and fungi that help us digest food and also support other body processes. A healthy gut is made of mostly good bacteria that help us break down food and work together with our immune system to prevent pathogens from entering our bloodstream. When harmful bacteria are allowed to proliferate in the gut (which often occurs due to poor diet or exposure to pathogens from our food), the healthy bacteria get wiped out.”
Dr. Banarjee says, “Our digestive health is really reflective in every body system. As a consequence, there are so many different ways our bodies tell us that we have an unhealthy gut. Everything from fatigue, depression or low mood, skin problems, sore muscles and joints, and even the presence of autoimmune conditions – can all be signs that something is not well within the gut. Of course, there are also gut-specific symptoms that are usually the most telling signs of an unhealthy gut. For example, frequent abdominal cramping, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and gas can all be signs that your gut flora is out of balance.”
According to Dr. Banarjee, “Anyone may be at risk of an unhealthy gut, but it is certainly more common in people who make poor dietary choices, and also those with certain health conditions that affect the digestive system. For example, people who have conditions that affect gut motility like IBS may be at greater risk for an over proliferation of harmful gut bacteria.”
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“Eating wholesome foods that are nutrient-dense is essential for fueling your body, and your gut flora,” says Dr. Banarjee. “One of the best ways we can feed the good bacteria in our guts is by eating a diet rich in fiber. Our bodies cannot actually break down fiber, so we rely on bacteria to do that for us. Fiber is essential to help move digestive contents along, thereby preventing frustrating complications like constipation. Fiber consumption is dose-response related to longevity.”
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Dr. Banarjee reminds us, “In our society that loves flavored and caffeinated drinks, many of us do not get enough plain water every day. Indeed, we often get too much sugar through flavored beverages, which in turn fuels unhealthy organisms. Water is vital because it not only hydrates our tissues but also helps lubricate our intestines so that we can move stools along without restriction or discomfort.”
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Dr. Banarjee states, “Stress takes a toll on the whole body, and our stress levels are certainly reflective of our digestive health. Many people notice they have more gut problems when they are stressed, such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and bloating. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can affect how our digestive systems work. So, when cortisol levels are higher, it can throw off our digestive function. Additionally, when we are stressed, we often don’t make the best food choices, which can certainly disrupt a healthy gut flora as well. You can also reduce oxidative stress by not eating too much sugar, starch, animal products, (not including fish), and fried foods.”