Why do healthy guts matter?

Hey there! Improving gut health is an important aspect of health and wellbeing, and there are many things you can do to support a healthy gut. I’ve recently started adding Aloe Vera Juice to my diet to help with some uncomfortable gut issues and holy moly what a difference! If your interested in trying Aloe in your diet click HERE to try the exact one I use.

Let's explore some nutrition and lifestyle habits that can help promote gut health…

First, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fiber and nutrients. This means including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Fiber is particularly important for gut health. Fiber, helps to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut and keep your digestive system functioning.

Probiotics and prebiotics are also important for gut health. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system, while prebiotics are types of fiber that feed the good bacteria in your gut. You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or you can take a probiotic supplement. Prebiotics are in foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas.

Besides eating a healthy diet, there are other lifestyle habits you can adopt to support gut health. Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and staying hydrated are all important. Exercise can also be beneficial for gut health, as it helps to regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation in the body. My favourite destress activities are walking in nature, gentle yoga, meditation, and sound healing - which has changed my life!

It's worth noting that gut health is closely linked to the health of the PSN and SNS, which are the two branches of the nervous system. The PSN, or parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for rest and relaxation, while the SNS, or sympathetic nervous system, is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. When stress occurs, it puts our bodies in a state of SNS dominance, which can have negative effects on gut health. Stress can lead to inflammation in the gut and disrupt the balance of bacteria in the microbiome.

This is where mindfulness comes in. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, sound baths, and yoga can help activate the PSN and reduce the effects of stress on the body. Mindfulness can also help us tune in to our bodies and become more aware of any symptoms or discomfort we may be experiencing in our gut. By being more mindful of our bodies and our habits, we can better support our gut health and wellbeing.

If you want to improve your gut health, focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics. A healthy lifestyle that includes enough sleep, reducing stress, staying hydrated, and exercising. And don't forget to practice mindfulness to support the health of your PSN and SNS and reduce the negative effects of stress on your gut.

In gratitude my friends,

Melissa