Let’s Talk “Nerdy”

Trust Your Gut! Has your brain ever visited outer space when someone is speaking in terms you cannot relate to or quite frankly could care less about? In my case this usually occurs during political discussions or in business meetings when words like EBITDA are spoken. My brain…I just can’t!

With this in mind, there’s a topic I want to share with you. It’s a “nerdy” word, but it’s sincerely valuable to our health, so please trust me and hang in there with this blog.

Human Microbiome. Ok, what? We are talking about our gut health, and the latest research shows it plays a vital role in our immunity, brain function, and emotional well being. You may have noticed in the past 10+ years, doctors have slowed the rate at which they prescribe antibiotics. Furthermore, it’s likely been suggested you take prebiotics or probiotics after antibiotics. The reason for reducing antibiotic use, unless absolutely necessary, is because while their job is to kill off any bacterial infection you have or may be at risk for contracting after a procedure, they also kill the “good” bacteria in our gut.

Why do we need good bacteria in our gut? They are vitally important in protecting us from harmful bacteria, digesting food, and protecting our immune system. Simply stated, our immunity begins in our gut and thereafter extends to the cells in the rest of our body. Researchers around the globe are lining up to inform the medical world that our human microbiome may be a critical link to whether a person will develop depression, anxiety, obesity, or cancer.

Consider your GI tract as it’s own ecosystem.

We have these organisms roaming around, dictating whether to create inflammation as a response to something we have ingested, or to utilize the nutrients and build a healthy gut fortress. The lining of our intestines are full of super- important immune cells. These cells (let’s call them soldier cells) interact with our gut bacteria constantly and work to differentiate the friendly cells from the enemy cells? It’s hard work, and what we eat or drink plays a huge role in how strong our gut soldiers march.

Are we glazing over? Hang in there as we cut to the chase. I’ve been reading and researching the topic of our microbiome and one thing is for sure! We cannot trust our gut if we have been existing on fast food and refined sugars. Equally important to consider is that stress has also been shown to alter our intestinal bacteria. Gut instinct. It’s a real thing. It turns out to be a really important “thing” for our health.” How do we improve our gut health? Below I have a list of fairly simple changes and adjustment we can make.

Thank you for reading this post. The conversations about Human Microbiome are growing as fast as the bacteria in our guts…teehee. Let’s pay attention, learn together, and give ourselves a fighting chance the next time we have to rely on our “gut instincts” to make important decisions. Reduce refined sugars and over processed foods. (as if this is news;)

Healthy Gut Soldiers:

• Fermented Foods
• Kombucha
• apple cider vinegar
• sauerkraut
• kefir
• kimchi
• yogurt (no refined sugar)

Good Gut Grub

• mushrooms
• artichoke
• garlic
• rye
• apples
• pears
• raspberries
• blueberries
• watermelon