“Gut health this” and “gut health that”, it seems everyone online is becoming hyper-aware of their gut’s health. Some believe it’s why they’re not losing weight, while this can be true in some cases, an unhealthy gut goes deeper than affecting one’s aesthetics. The aesthetics are often a symptom of graver issues within your body.
Let’s unpack what affects your gut health, what it takes to improve it and how to implement those changes into your routine.
Gut Health In A Nut Shell
The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, that are found in the digestive tract. It aids your digestion, helps your body synthesise vitamins, and it supports your immune. The key to good health, is ensuring your microbiome is diverse yet balanced. A diverse microbiome means a wider variety of microbes can perform a broader range of functions, such as the ones we’ve just mentioned.
Factors Affecting Gut Health and Their Effects
Gut health is influenced by various factors, any of these, or a combination of some can result in an imbalance in the gut.
- Diet is everything; consuming high amounts of processed foods and sugars can disrupt gut bacteria.
- Medications, particularly antibiotics, can reduce beneficial bacteria.
- There is a significant gut-brain connection where chronic stress and poor sleep can alter gut bacteria composition, and vice versa. An unhealthy gut can worsen anxiety and depression.
If you think you suffer from poor gut-health, here are a few you may experience:
- Bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements
- Chronic inflammation
- Lowered nutrient absorption
Address these symptoms sooner rather than later.
Shop Organic Choice’s Supplements
4 Small Changes That Can Make A Big Impact
Treating an unhealthy gut doesn’t require drastic changes. More often than not, drastic changes are the ones that don’t stick.
Small, mindful shifts in your diet, lifestyle, and daily habits can have a lasting influence on your gut health, which in turn will help your overall health.
Here are four ways you can heal/look after your gut’s health.
1. Take Natural Supplements
Certain natural supplements have been used for centuries to restore gut bacteria, here are a few you can supplement.
Supplement | Benefits You May Experience | Shop |
Shilajit | Shilajit is a detox agent with over 85 minerals that can help your body fight harmful bacteria and absorb nutrients more efficiently. | Shilajit Resin |
Lion’s Mane | A nootropic mushroom that supports the gut-brain connection is often taken to help with depression and anxiety. | Lion’s Mane Capsules |
Berberine | A bioactive compound that improves insulin resistance, which helps diversify the gut microbiome. Due to this insulin resistance, Berberine if often coined the “Natural Ozempic” | Berberine Capsules |
Moringa Powder & Moringa | Moringa helps detox the liver and supports the digestive system by eliminating toxins. | Moringa Leaf Powder |
Tea | Spearmint Tea helps ease bloating and indigestion by reducing harmful bacteria. Chamomile Tea aids with sleep by calming the digestive tract. Raspberry Leaf Tea is well-known for aiding digestion and supporting a healthy diverse microbiome. | Spearmint Tea |
2. You Are What You Eat
A healthy microbiome relies on what you eat and drink. Incorporating fermented foods and foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics can restore gut bacteria, reducing the discomfort.
Food/Drink | Benefits You May Experience | Shop |
Kombucha | A fermented tea packed with beneficial probiotics that positively affect the gut microbiome. | Kombucha Drinks |
Yoghurt | Regularly consuming live culture yoghurt can aid digestion, reduce discomfort, and help restore gut bacteria balance. | Natural Yoghurt |
Sauerkraut | A great addition to your meals that keeps the digestive tracts healthy by providing live probiotics and fibre. | Raw Sauerkrout |
Celtic Salt | Salts in your diet, support your electrolyte balance and aid in proper digestion. | Celtic Salt |
Bicarbonate of Soda | It helps detox the digestive tract by neutralising stomach acidity and reducing bloating. | Bicarbonate of Soda |
Flaxseed | A dietary fibre powerhouse that improves food absorption, aiding weight loss and preventing diseases. | Flaxseed (Linseed) Powder |
3. Detox!
Maybe it’s time to support your body’s detox process. Flush out the old and make space for the new (and improved).
Detox Method | Benefits | |
Liquid Chlorophyll | A natural cleanser that oxygenates the blood and supports detoxification. | Liquid Chlorophyll |
Aloe Vera Gel | Aloe vera helps absorb nutrients and flush out toxins. | Aloe Vera Liquid Gel |
Cranberry Juice | Cranberry juice is known for supporting the urinary tract and kidneys. | Cranberry Juice Concentrate |
Epsom Salt | A magnesium-rich soak or scrub may help reduce stress and weight gain, which supports good gut health. | Epsom Salts |
4. Become Pro, Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Chronic inflammation in an unhealthy gut can lead to conditions like acne, irritated skin, diabetes and even worsen mental health disorders. Consuming foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties can help fight those conditions.
Anti-Inflammatory Food | Benefits You May Experience | Shop |
Cloves | A spice initially found in India, Bangladesh and Madagascar that can support oral and digestive health by killing harmful bacteria. | Whole Cloves |
Cinnamon | This spice helps regulate blood sugar levels which supports gut function. | Cinnamon Sticks |
Cayenne Pepper | This pepper can act as a metabolism booster that improves digestion and circulation. | Cayenne Pepper |
Sea Moss | Sea moss possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system, supporting a healthy digestive system and detoxification. | Sea Moss Gel |
Rosemary Oil | This oil is known to support stress relief and brain function. Some also use it to aid with hair growth when balding. | Rosemary Essential Oil |
Honey | A natural antibiotic that helps ease digestive discomfort by fighting harmful bacteria. | Raw Honey |
5. Make Some Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a healthy gut goes beyond just eating the right foods; your lifestyle habits are equally as important.
Here are a few tips you can implement:
- Try intermittent fasting when you feel uncomfortable in your gut. This can give your digestive tract time to repair, increasing gut microbiome diversity.
- Try an at-home colon cleanse, which may help with constipation. You can do a natural colon cleanse at home by drinking lots of water, taking laxative teas, or taking a colon care supplement regularly.
- Eat slowly. Chewing thoroughly helps with efficient nutrient absorption and prevents bloating that often occurs with rushed eating.
- Ensure you get enough sleep, as disturbances in your sleep can lead to weight gain and inflammation.
- Stay hydrated by drinking clean water; it helps support detox processes and digestion.
- Reduce processed foods and alcohol intake.
- Manage your stress, as chronic stress can disrupt your gut balance.
For Guts Sake! Make The Organic Choice
Your gut microbiome influences nearly every aspect of your health, from digestion and mental health to weight management and immune function.
Treating human health is quite simple; often, the cure lies in a few lifestyle and diet changes. Choosing an organic, natural approach can improve your digestive health and reduce digestive discomfort.
Maintain a healthy body knowing your health is in good hands – YOURS.
Start today with small steps—supplement where you fall short, eat foods that nourish your gut, reduce your stress, and prioritise enough sleep.
Choose Organic Choice for your supplements and fresh groceries at our organic health shop in Centurion or online.