Gut Health Matters

by | Jul 19, 2024 | Food for Thought, Nutritional Supplements

 

Since my last blog post, “Renewing My Commitment to Health” I’ve been getting some questions about my gut health routine. I love that because gut health is super important for your overall well-being! Given the interest, I thought I’d share some details here…

Essential Tips to Support Gut Health

Eat a Balanced Diet:

  • Include Prebiotics: Foods like garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, and whole grains feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
  • Consume Fermented Foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha are rich in probiotics.
  • High-Fiber Foods: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in your diet. Many of us don’t get enough fiber from the foods we eat, so consider a supplement. If you’re interested, I can give you some recommendations.

Stay Hydrated:

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion and overall health. Aim for half your body weight in ounces each day.

Limit Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners:

  • High sugar intake and artificial sweeteners can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.

Manage Stress:

  • Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. The Calm App is a great resource for this!

Exercise Regularly:

  • Regular physical activity can promote a healthy gut microbiome. Even short bursts of activity, spread throughout the day, can contribute to overall fitness and well-being. The key is consistency!

Get Enough Sleep:

  • Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep (in a dark room) each night to support overall health, including gut health. Dim your cell phone if you must keep it in your bedroom at night.

Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics:

  • Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare provider, as they can disrupt the gut microbiome.

Consider Digestive Enzymes:

  • If you have trouble digesting certain foods, digestive enzymes might help improve nutrient absorption reduce digestive discomfort. I will share more about digestive enzymes in a future post.

 Take a Good Probiotic:

  • In addition to these healthy habits, taking a good probiotic can greatly benefit your gut health. Currently, I’m following a program that my doctor shared with me, which includes a probiotic from the brand Solution4. It’s been great so far, but being Arbonne is my number one go to brand for nutrition, once I run out, I plan to switch to their new Omnigut Daily Probiotic. Ultimately I’m always looking for the best products, and based on my research, Arbonne’s probiotic is more effective. Here is a quick snapshot on how they compare…

Arbonne OmniGut Daily Probiotic

  • Probiotics:
    • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: 10 billion CFU
    • Bifidobacterium longum BB536: 2 billion CFU
  • Additional Ingredients:
    • Zinc
    • L-Carnosine

Solution4 Probiotic Blend

  • Probiotics:
    • Lactobacillus Acidophilus: 1.33 billion CFU
    • Bifidobacterium Bifidus: 1 billion CFU
    • Bifidobacterium Longum: 1 billion CFU
  • Additional Ingredients:
    • Vitamins A, C, Biotin, Zinc
    • Various herbal extracts

Arbonne’s OmniGut Daily Probiotic provides a high CFU count with two of the most effective and researched probiotic strains, along with added zinc and L-carnosine for extra gut and immune support. It’s likely to be the most beneficial of the two if you’re specifically looking for a strong and effective probiotic supplement. I’m super excited to try it once my Solution4 probiotic runs out!

Taking care of your gut is key to your overall wellness. By incorporating these tips and choosing the right supplements, you can support a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

I hope you will start adding these tips to your daily routine and keep me posted on how you do!

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am not a healthcare provider. The information, supplements and products mentioned in this post are based on my personal experience and research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, diet, exercise, or health program. Your health and safety are of utmost importance, and only a healthcare provider can provide advice tailored to your specific needs and medical history.