Tag: tips

You’ve probably heard of gut health before. There are so many newsletters, reports, studies, and articles on this matter, that you’d probably need a lifetime to read them all. But apart from the various studies, famous doctors, and pretentious scientific names, what is there to know about our gut?

Why would we need any of that info? Because dictates a lot of things in your body, it is extremely important to take care of it. As Deanna Minich, Ph.D., vice president of scientific affairs for Clean Program said, the gut is the portal to the rest of our bodies. So without further ado, we will tell you everything you need to know about it.

The gut takes in the foods we eat and process them in order to give us the needed nutrients. These nutrients are changing the function of organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver. If we have an inflamed gut, we’re not able to properly digest, and we lose the ability to take all the benefits from a diet rich in nutrients.

Naturally, it’s not all about getting the proper nutrients out of the food, as the matter goes way further than that. Poor gut health may lead to other problems in the body. So you might believe it or not, it all starts down there.

So truth to be told, most of us know that our gut can affect digestion and the proper absorption of nutrients, but it can also manifest in poor hormonal health, skin health, and even mental health.

Yes, you read that right: if your gut isn’t functioning properly, you might feel it in your skin and in your daily moods, as Alli Magier explains, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian at Rooted Wellness. Your gut is basically the second brain in your body – bet you heard that a couple of times, haven’t you? But what does it actually mean? Let’s see!

You can think of your gut and the brain as being in constant communication, which plays a key role in preventing possible diseases, immune system functioning, organ health, proper sleep, and overall mental health.

So if we suffer from an unhealthy gut, we’re going to see a physiological, hormonal, and emotional response that’s very likely to appear. So, I’ll say it again, our gut is CRUCIAL. But how can we tell exactly if our gut is in a good shape? Like anything else in our body, there are some signs we can read into. In most cases, GI symptoms are the best indicator.

If you start noticing any changes in your digestive process, and by that I mean your stomach is aching, increased gas, bloating, or even changes in the bowel movements, don’t rush into believing that it’s automatically cancer or a chronic illness.

To be completely honest, I am speaking out of my personal experience. I have had problems with my gut for a while now, and the first three doctors told me that it’s either a chronic illness or cancer. You can only imagine how terrified I was, as I was bouncing between suffering my whole life from chronic pain and cancer diagnosis.

But thank God that I met my last doctor, who told me not to worry about any of these. The minute I entered her office, I was already sweating at the thought of the procedures I’ll have to go through.

But the minute I told her my symptoms and what the other doctors said, she started laughing. “It’s none of that. You just need to fix your gut microbiome.” At first, I thought she was making fun of me, while it would have made more sense to believe that the other doctors did so. For whatever reason, we tend to give credit to those doctors who give us a more fatalistic result.

Some of the symptoms that I have experienced and you might notice are stools that are loose, with pieces of undigested food, dreadful pain after eating some foods, such as onion, oranges, or anything spicy, sometimes even sugar, fatigue, difficulty getting proper sleep, irritated skin, intense sugar cravings (and I thought I was just a sweet-tooth), and unintentional weight changes.

You might also notice a difference in your mental health, and your gut issues can manifest through skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, or random breakouts. If you think about it, there are lots of symptoms. So the mind-gut connection is very real!

So what does it take to have a healthier gut? It’s not just about the diet, but it’s also a lifestyle choice. Let’s find out what you need to look after:

Your diet

Doctors say that what you eat, how you eat, and when you eat are extremely important. As Minich said, “We might know that what we eat can inform our gut microbiome, which can lead to many changes throughout the body, from our moods to our memory.”

The way we eat can either be extremely rushed or with mindfulness, but either way, it can change the quality of our digestion and might result in changes in your acid, gas, or bloating. When we eat is also very important for our gut health.

You have no idea how many days I had stomach issues just because I skipped breakfast! They don’t recommend eating in the daylight hours for nothing, trust me!

Eating a wider variety of foods

Eating only processed foods can put you at risk of poor gut health. If your diet is mainly composed of foods that are high in sugar, lab-made fats, and processed foods, your gut microbiome might be altered in time, leading to poor gut health and increased chances of inflammation.

Why? Because these foods can lower the “good” bacteria in the gut. Also, the imbalance can lead to more sugar cravings, which will only create a cycle of eating more processed, high-sugar foods. The inflammatory response will be higher and the gut health will worsen. So it’s pretty obvious at this point that we would be talking here about a vicious cycle.

Chronic stress

If you can’t manage your stress, it will affect your gut, too. Doctors are oftentimes citing research that shows how stress can alter the gut-brain axis, inducing inflammation, decreasing immunity, increasing GI permeability, and even altering gut bacteria composition and function.

And not that I want to repeat myself, but you’ll feel these effects because they provoke pain and irritation. And what is the effect of pain and irritation on our overall health? We become even more stressed out, irritated, and even annoyed. Which again, is leading to a vicious cycle. In order to break this cycle, we need to start the change from our gut.

Antibiotics

Yes, antibiotics might be good, as they might kill the bacteria, but they’re also after the good bacteria in your gut. Antibiotics aim for any kind of bacteria, as they aren’t able to make a difference between “good” or “bad” bacteria.

So taking antibiotics too often might result in poor gut health, as many doctors won’t tell you ever. Why is that? We still don’t know. That’s why it would be best to take them only when it is absolutely necessary, at least if you don’t want to damage your gut flora. Also, when you’re taking antibiotics, try taking a probiotic too.

Alcohol

While we probably said it a million times and you already heard it a bazillion times too, alcohol is a toxin and the body sees it as such. So if you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol, your bacterial makeup of the gut will change in time.

Alcohol can wipe out all the progress you have ever made and all the beneficial bacteria that reside in the gut, which leads to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. Alcohol, as you probably know, it’s very acidic, and it does nothing but harm your gut microbiome. Of course, we’re not talking here about the recommended glass of wine a day.

How can I heal my gut?

As I mentioned before, when the last doctor that I went to illuminated me that I don’t have cancer, but only a strong and filthy gut imbalance, I started looking out for what is there to do. Naturally, your doctor is the best at helping you with personalized recommendations, depending on your health history.

But I personally believe that it’s not only something that your doctor tells you to do and you go home and just do it. No, it has to become a lifestyle. You can google up things about what you need to know and read articles like this one.

It really helps, believe me, because you’ll soon be able to help yourself without needing to frequently visit the doctor. And that’s ultimately the goal, isn’t it?

So after visiting the doctor and running the needed test to diagnose the problem, whether it’s digestive enzymes, inflammation, leaky gut, or even growths such as polyps, we should start discussing how to improve our lives, right?

Apart from the medications and procedures, your doctor might recommend, let’s see what we can do ourselves and what is there to change in our daily routines:

Try following an anti-inflammatory diet

Doctors are recommending sticking to an anti-inflammatory, plant-forward diet. But what does it mean, really? Well, this type of diet should be extremely rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Basically, all the things that everyone is always recommending, but you never know how to cook them (at least, that’s what happens to me). But this is what you need to do. Thank God, we have Google to help us out with 10-minutes recipes and fun ways to cook some of these boring foods that make us feel so much better.

I know what you’re thinking: why can’t cheeseburgers be healthier? I know, right?

Eat more fiber-rich foods

Also, you should definitely add more fiber-rich foods to your diet. They’re the best friend our gut might ever have! Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes, the good old story. But wait, there’s one more thing to add here: when I say fruits and veggies, I mean THOSE fruits and veggies that your doctor recommended you. For example, I had to avoid eating apples, bananas, apricots, and so on, and eat more mangos,

Limit the number of processed foods

Another way of improving your gut health is by reducing the amount of highly processed foods you’re eating. They are loaded with sugar and saturated fats and don’t offer you enough nutrients. Fried foods, frozen meals, processed meats, sugary drinks, and even refined carbohydrates…all the good stuff. It is also recommended to avoid food and drinks that have artificial sweeteners.

Opt for single-ingredient foods

You can try eating more single-ingredient foods. For example, a plate that’s filled with salmon, quinoa, and broccoli has only three main ingredients. But if you’re going for a pre-made frozen meal that you just bought from the grocery store, you won’t be able to name all the ingredients just by looking at it.

Research has proven that your gut flora can change rapidly, so by loading up on those veggies, you’ll immediately see the benefits!

Add one prebiotic and one probiotic

By adding at least one prebiotic and one probiotic to your diet, you’ll increase the good bacteria in your gut. Plain yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and sourdough bread are all probiotic-rich foods. While prebiotic-rich foods include barley, oats, potatoes with their skin on, beans, and the good old legumes.

Try to eat slowly

The way you eat can have a great impact on your gut health, and you might benefit from chewing slowly and thoroughly. Also, it’s best if you allow yourself some time after you just ate to digest properly. Lying down after a meal will have a positive impact on your microbiome.

Keep track of your progress and your diet

You should try and keep track of what you’re eating, to spot the foods that are harming you. If you have symptoms after eating a specific food, maybe it doesn’t work for you. This way, you’ll identify food intolerances and triggers, so you can eliminate the culprits from your diet.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 11 Foods That Are Good for Your Eyes

After a certain age, you might develop heart disease and unfortunately, this will require special attention, proper treatment, and a healthier diet that includes a lot of healthy foods. When you say diet, you automatically think about a restrictive lifestyle. But in this case, the answer is no. Did you know that you can cook plenty of tasty foods even if you are on a special diet?

Certain foods can influence blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and inflammation, and all of them are risk factors for heart disease.

We’ll show you 13 foods which are good for you and your heart.

1. Leafy green vegetables

Remember Popeye the Sailor Man? Eating a lot of spinach made him strong and healthy. It can happen to you too if you include it in your daily diet vegetables! Leafy green vegetables like spinach (baby spinach as well) and kale are actually very rich in vitamin K, which helps protect your arteries and are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

These tasty vegetables also contain minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Are you thinking of a tasty salad with some grilled chicken? Don’t forget to add some baby spinach leaves.

2. Fresh Herbs

Do you like your food to be spicy or a little bit salty? Unfortunately, people who have heart disease cannot eat too much salt, but this cannot be a problem because are a lot of fresh herbs out there to add to your food instead of salt and fat.

The most common and healthy ones are cilantro, parsley, dill, basil, oregano, and rosemary. Which one is your favorite spice? Tell us in the comments.

3. Whole grains

…mmm that Greek yogurt it’s perfectly combined with a cup of oats! In case you didn’t know, whole grains include three nutrients of the grain: germ, endosperm, and bran. If refined carbohydrates increase the risk of heart disease, whole grains actually protect your heart! Try and switch to a diet rich in plant-based foods, low fat, whole grains, and less salt!

Tip: Before buying any kind of product make sure you read the ingredients carefully! Phrases like “whole grain” or “whole wheat” indicate the actual grain product compared to wheat flour or multigrain! It’s never too late to eat better.

4. Avocados

“Guacamole por favor!” Avocados are one of the best foods to include in your diet. They are an excellent source of protein, and monosaturated fats, and are heart-friendly because they reduce the levels of cholesterol.

Studies have shown that people who eat one avocado a day have had better results when measuring cholesterol levels.

5. Fatty fish and fish oil

Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish especially salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines have a protective role in the risk of developing heart disease. Another study has shown that eating fish for a long period of time has a lot of other benefits!

If you really dislike seafood, don’t worry because fish oil is another option for getting your daily dose of Omega 3.

6. Walnuts

Honestly, who doesn’t like walnuts? They are a great source of fiber and micronutrients like copper, manganese, and magnesium. Adding walnuts to your diet might help you reduce cholesterol and blood pressure! You can add them to your salad or on top of that banana bread you love so much.

Did you know that some foods help you improve your heart health? Take care of it because among with the liver, it’s one of the most important organs in your body! 

7. Kidney beans

Beans are one of the most healthy foods because they have lots of fiber, niacin, calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, and super vitamin B. Beans are so easy to cook and you can include them in soups, salads (especially if you combine them with chicken breast which is very low in calories and high in proteins), stews or make a meal out of them if you like them simple just with few spices.

If you eat beans at least twice a week, you are on the right path, because consumption of this particular food reduces inflammation and blood pressure.

8. Blueberries

It’s a proven fact that berries are good for your heart, along with the rest of your body. They have plenty of nutrients including beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, fiber, and potassium. Amazing, right? You can eat them as a healthy snack, or on top of your oatmeal, or why not pancakes. Are you a fan of smoothies?

You can include them in your smoothie together with a banana. Blueberries are so tasty and delicious you will fall in love with them quickly if you haven’t by now!

9. Dark Chocolate

This yummy food is rich in antioxidants which can help boost heart health. A lot of studies show that eating chocolate reduces the risk of heart disease.

Be careful to choose a bar of chocolate that has more than 85% cocoa because other types of dark chocolate are high in sugar and calories which can decline its health properties.

10. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of vitamins A and C! They also contain potassium, calcium, and fiber and if you eat their skins you will get even more fiber. You can include them in your list of healthy foods just because they are easy to cook and easy to pair with chicken breast or other vegetables.

Even if you prefer them mashed or baked until crisp you must eat them at least twice a week. Make sure you pick sweet potatoes not yams because they have more nutrients and fiber compared to the other ones.

Even if you are taking medication to lower your cholesterol levels a proper diet and working out will help you more than you think!  

11. Asparagus

This is a healthy veggie that contains beta-carotene and fiber plus the best Vitamin B complex. You can make it as a side dish for your grilled salmon or chicken, or you can add it to your salads for a portion of more tasty food. Neat, right?

Which foods are your favorite? Tell us in the comments! 

12. Oranges 

These fruits are the perfect to-go snack. Oranges are full of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium which make them a very good food to add to your daily routine. Orange juice can also offer plenty of benefits but the best for you is eating the whole fruit.

You can also add them to your yogurt, in your salad, or if you like to experiment with the food you eat, chicken dishes. How often do you eat oranges?

13. Garlic

Can you believe this awesome food has been used as a natural remedy for centuries? Recent studies have shown that garlic can help improve your heart health. Amazing right? It can be used as a spice for your steak or if you are bold enough you can eat it raw. Garlic can help prevent blood clot formation and it can also reduce the cholesterol level in your body.

More than 1 in 10 Americans have been diagnosed with heart disease! Make sure you include the right foods that can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Be sure to let us know if these tips were helpful. And meanwhile, you should also check out: Are You Getting Enough Vitamin B6? Here Are 5 Important Benefits.