Here are some amazing things that take place in your GUT:
* About 80% of our immune system is found in your digestive system
* Immune cells like antibodies, T cells and B cells circulate around your body, but they ORIGINATE in your GUT!
* We can keep these cells healthy and strong by eating a good clean diet and taking quality probiotics
* Ever get a "gut feeling" about something?? Our gut is actually our second brain, called the "Enteric Nervous System"
* About 90% of the neurotransmitter serotonin (the one responsible for the feeling of happiness) is created by the neurons in our GUT!
* Our Intestinal flora is our second liver, eliminating 40% of the toxins in the food we eat. The role of these bacteria is to digest food into small nutrients we can use. We are only as healthy as what we can absorb.
When GUT FUNCTION is impaired by processed foods, excess sugar, medications, antibiotics, stress or high exposure to toxins, we can develop constipation, leaky gut syndrome, autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel conditions and hormonal imbalances to name a few!
Some contributing factors may include:
1. POOR DIET Refined sugars, preservatives, artificial colourings and chemically laden processed foods full of trans fats can create inflammation in your gut and throughout your body
2. CANDIDA This is a yeast that thrives off sugar! Sugar is fertilizer for pathogenic bacteria and yeast! When it gets out of hand, it can cause permeable little holes in your intestinal lining allowing matter to go through.
3. MEDICATIONS Medicines like aspirin and acetaminophen decrease the mucosal lining of your intestines.
4. WHEAT GLUTEN Gut inflammation occurs in approximately 80% of the population due to the proteins gliadin and gluten. These proteins cause intestinal cells to die prematurely and are found in wheat, spelt, semolina, rye barley and kamut. Some oats and quinoa can also create gut inflammation.
Here's a couple of my diet faves that help keep me on track:
Fermented foods! They are great detoxifiers! They help by pulling pesticides and chelating heavy metals from our gut. Just a small serving (1/4C) of cultured vegetables contains much more beneficial bacteria than a probiotic pill alone!
(Just make sure what you choose to buy is actually cultured and NOT pickled in vinegar!)
Coconut yogurt is also a great way to boost beneficial bacteria! You can use it in smoothies or on top of fresh fruit too!
Bragg apple cider vinegar! A raw vinegar that works great in dressings and sauces and can be taken as a digestive aid.
Dietary and lifestyle changes go a long way to help restore gut integrity and your health!
Have a great weekend!
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