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“Health insurance in America is expensive.” says Bob Gunia Senior Vice President with Physician’s Mutual. The U.S. spends the most on healthcare. The Preliminary figures from the Center of Medicaid states that Americans spent 3.6 trillion in 2018. That’s over $11,000 per person! Seventy percent of that is because of our lifestyle choices, what we are eating. Be aware of what you are eating and get active. We can make changes. Heal your gut.
A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, effective digestion and may help prevent some cancers and autoimmune diseases.
I have hypothyroidism and take a prescription every day for the rest of my life. One sign of a thyroid disorder is constipation, among others. I have been on antibiotics and have taken ibuprofen for pain, not from hypothyroid, which has made me constipated. If your gut isn’t healthy it affects your body. In order to get healthy for life you need to get your gut healthy. I feel so much better when I take a probiotic. Things move along so much smoother. I walk for physical activity and that also helps things move along.
What is an unhealthy gut?
The human gut is complex and has a huge impact on your whole body’s health. Signs of an unhealthy gut are upset stomach, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. Signs of bacteria in your gut may be fatigue, low energy, unusually lethargic and possibly stomach pain.
Let me clear up any misconceptions. Drinking a lot of water won’t help you poop because water is absorbed in your blood before it gets to the large bowel. Some prescriptions can cause constipation. Eating too much fiber can make symptoms worse.
How does your gut become unhealthy?
Your gut is the foundation of a healthy body and mind. Your gut controls many body functions including hormone production, immune system, absorbs nutrients, and affects your mood. Bacteria lives throughout your body and the ones in your gut have a large impact on your well-being. They line your digestive system and live in your intestines and colon. They affect everything from your immune system to your mood to your metabolism. Certain antibiotics along with a high-carb diet can destroy friendly bacteria in the gut which can cause an overgrowth of intestinal yeast. Intestinal yeast is a fungus that disrupts gut activity. Your gut makes 95% of its seratonin, a feel-good biochemical that helps protect against depression.
Symptoms of an unhealthy gut
- upset stomach like gas, bloating, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea
- high-sugar diet
- unintentional weight changes
- constant fatigue or sleep disturbances
- skin irritation
- autoimmune conditions
- food intolerances
The Best Products to heal your gut
Nourish your body with prebiotics. Prebiotics are types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. This helps gut bacteria produce nutrients for your colon cells and leads to a healthier digestive system. Prebiotics are found in Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, apples, flaxseeds to name a few.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system. They are live microorganisms that may help prevent and treat some illnesses.Here is a small list of foods that contain probiotics: yogurt, fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, pickles, and buttermilk. This is the probiotic I use.
Common questions you may have about gut health and probiotics.
How can I heal my gut?
- stay hydrated.
- eat a high-fiber diet, both insoluble and soluble
- limit foods high in fat
- eat at a scheduled time
- eat lean meats
- take a probiotic
- stop bad habits: smoking, alcohol, excessive caffeine
Can I take prebiotics and probiotics together?
When used together prebiotics and probiotics are called microbiome therapy. You don’t need to take a prebiotic for the probiotic to work but taking both may help your probiotic more effective.
How long does it take to heal your gut?
It can take 2-3 weeks for a normal healthy gut to restore a new lining and up to 12 weeks for those with autoimmune disease or food sensitivity.
When should I take a probiotic?
Take a probiotic in the morning 15-30 minutes before you eat. You should take it before food so it doesn’t get stuck in your stomach behind food on its way down to the intestines where they do their work.
I am not a medical doctor so please talk with your doctor about your health and wellness concerns.
The last thing you need to know about a healthy gut
To have a healthy immune system you have to have a healthy gut.
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