The ABC’s Of Your Gut And How To Treat It Nicely
What is your gut?
The gut is the same as your intestine and refers to your gastrointestinal (GI) system which includes organs such as your esophagus, stomach, colon and intestines.
What does the gut do?
The gut digests the foods you eat, extracts nutrients and absorbs them through the intestinal wall to be transported the rest of your body. The gut also absorbs energy and then expels the waste.
What is the gut microbiome?
There are around 4,000 different strains of bacteria that live inside your gut. These bacteria have varied roles in supporting your immune system, metabolism, hormones, mood, etc. The bacteria in your gut strengthen the walls of your intestines, preventing pathogens from spreading to the rest of your body.
How does my gut become unhealthy?
An imbalance of the good vs bad bacteria in the gut or an overgrowth of fungi and yeast can happen from the foods we eat. This overgrowth comes from highly processed, low-fiber, high-sugar foods with few nutrients. Additionally anti-inflammatories and antibiotics can negatively affect your gut health.
How can I support a healthy gut?
-
Eat a diet rich in fiber and probiotics. Whole foods like the fruits and vegetables in Ruvi are always your best option!
-
Reduce or eliminate processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and foods high in sugar.
-
Manage stress. Create a self care routine and boundaries so that your needs are taken care of.
-
Prioritize getting enough sleep. Sleep is when the body, including the gut, restores itself. Adults need 7-9 hours a night and even if you think you can function on less, you shouldn't!
-
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE. Hydrating supports proper digestion and elimination. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces per day!
Our favorite gut-healing products
Why Ruvi Clean of course! There’s no easier way than Ruvi to get those gut-friendly pre and probiotics naturally found in fruits and vegetables. The 9 different fruits and veggies in Ruvi Clean are specifically chosen to support your digestive system and to support clean, healthy liver and kidneys.
We also like MegaSporeBiotic as a great spore-based, broad-spectrum probiotic. According to Microbiome’s website, it reconditions the gut by promoting microbial diversity and maintaining key health-promoting gut bacteria.
Check out Go with your Gut by author Robyn Youkilis. This book teaches you about what your body and symptoms are saying and provides you with 75 gut-healing recipes.
To track your hydration, download Aqualert on your phone for handy reminders. Enough water is essential to a healthy gut and this app keeps you on track! Having a good water bottle you love will also help you stay on track. Some of our favorites are the Stanley 40oz Tumbler, and the Hydro Flask 40oz Wide Mouth water bottle.