Gut Health & Nutrition

The gut is responsible for so many functions in the human body. Not only does it work to properly digest and absorb all that you take in, but it also plays a key role in protecting you from harmful pathogens (viruses & bacteria). 

If there is one thing I recommend doing if you want to improve your immunity, I would say improve the health of your gut. One of the key components of a healthy gut, and therefore a strong immune system is the diversity of your microbiome (a.k.a. good bacteria in the intestinal tract). How do you do this? … Increase your intake of probiotics & prebiotics! (Even more important if you been on antibiotics recently).

Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that improve intestinal microbial balance. These can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, & tempeh. Probiotic supplements are also very useful and can be found in a wide variety of health food stores. Be cautious, however, that the brand you go with is from a trusted and reliable company.

Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible food particles that stimulate the growth of gut bacteria. Some examples of these foods include: onion, asparagus, chicory, artichoke, & banana. Eat plenty of these foods everyday to enhance your gut’s ability to produce nutrients for your colon cells, leading to a healthier overall digestive system.

I hope you found this post helpful. I know many people struggle with intestinal issues, and it has taken me years to find what works best for my own tummy. I’m still learning what foods best support me. I’d love to hear feedback in the comments below, also feel free to let me know what topics you’d like to see more of. Thanks for reading! :-)