Gandhi Said “Where there is love there is life” The truth of this statement does not exclude life in our gut! When you show your gut love, life will grow in the form of beneficial bacteria.
But how do you know when you need a little TLC? Here are a few clues to let you know when your gut needs some extra lovin.
- Your Digestion just doesn’t feel right:
Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, even heartburn, indigestion and a struggle to lose weight are all some obvious clues that things aren’t working the way that they should.
- Illness and antibiotics.
Sometimes antibiotics are necessary and can’t be avoided. That said, antibiotics do not know the difference between the good and bad bacteria in our gut and will wipe everything out. From there it’s a race between the good guys and the bad guys to take up residence again. Knowing this, there are many wonderful probiotics on the market you can take (in addition to eating ferments foods, wink, wink), to rebuild your gut flora, back to normal.
- Feeling down or anxious
There is more and more published research on how our gut health can play a role in our mood and how we feel. We have all heard of the neurotransmitter: Serotonin. Astoundingly, 95% of our serotonin stores in the body are found IN OUR GUT and “good bacteria” play a role in the production of peripheral Serotonin. Maintaining a symbiotic eco system in your gut is one way to boost those Serotonin stores.
- STRESS
We realize stress in unavoidable and in small doses, good for us. However, chronic and unmanaged stress will not do your gut any good (yes even if your diet is clean). Managing stress is definitely a juggling act and easier said than done. Little things like turning electronics off, exercise, deep breathing and yoga can do wonders if you give it a chance. Do more things which make you laugh and bring you joy and you are halfway there. (I see eye rolls, Just Shut Up and Try It).
- Autoimmune Conditions
An Autoimmune Conditions is when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. Results can vary from person to person in the form of varying symptoms and diseases. Current research suggests there is a link between autoimmune conditions and gut health. Some of these conditions include: Hashimoto’s and IBD.
So, in the spirit of the month, show your gut some love! Mange your stress, eat your fermented foods, exercise, get plenty of rest and like all things in life and love, the rest will just fall into place.
Just Shut Up and Try It 😉