Probiotics and Gut Health: Part III - Other Gut Healing Strategies
In the previous two posts, we talked all about probiotics: what they are, why they are important, and where to find them. Today, we are moving past probiotics into other methods for healing the gut. Usually, just adding probiotics won't fix the entire problem, especially if you have a really damaged gut. That is where these ideas come in in a combination/targeted approach to gut healing!
1. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is crucial for gut, skin, joint, bone, and hair health. I recommend these to most of my clients, and I use them daily in my own kitchen! Order online here and make sure to choose the blue lid container!
2. Healing Foods
Remember - you are what you eat! If you eat artificial foods, you will not be your healthiest self. If you choose real, whole, nutritious foods from the earth, you will be enriched by the natural vitamins and minerals and antioxidants that only nature can provide! Choose cooked vegetables at every meal, as they are healing to the body and contain an abundance of nutrients and minerals to heal the gut. Aim for 8+ servings a day of veggies. (Side note here: fruit is nutritious too, but veggies are FAR superior because they have way less natural sugar and thereby effect the blood sugar way less.)
Next, fill your plate with animal protein from beef, chicken, turkey, pork, whole eggs, and seafood (especially salmon), as protein is the building block for healing, recovery, and growth in the body and gut!
Lastly, load up on tons of healthy fat from butter, avocado, olives, coconut oil, and olive oil, as they are healing fats for the gut, brain, and metabolism! Remember, eating fat doesn't make you fat! Avoid at all costs the refined vegetable oils like corn, soy, and canola, as well as margarine, "buttery spreads," and trans fats, as they are damaging at the highest level to the gut lining. If you make one switch, switch out your cooking fats!
Bonus: Fill your plate with other gut healing foods like bone broth, fermented vegetables, leafy greens, salmon, and egg yolks for a solid hit of nutrition for your gut!
3. Digestive Enzymes
If you are in need of extra support with digestion while your gut is healing, consider a digestive enzyme, which is taken before each meal. A quality enzyme capsule will contain protease to break down proteins, lipase to break down fats, and amylase to break down starches. A digestive enzymes gives your digestive system the help it needs when you are working on healing your gut. I use Source Naturals.
4. Sleep
Your body heals itself physically during sleep, so if you aren't sleeping well, it's time to make some changes. Start a routine, go to bed earlier, dim the lights at night, and avoid electronics 1 hour before bed. Also, try keeping your room completely dark and cool at night to help with sleep.
5. Stress Management
I saved the best for last. When it comes to healing your gut, you MUST take a good, hard, long look at the stress in your life. If you are overwhelmed at work or home or have the constant feeling of "go-go-go" in life, you must consider taking a step back from all your commitments for the betterment of your health. Stress is the number one reason for gut issues. Period. Therefore, it is so important to focus on stress management as part of your daily life. Try yoga, deep breathing, journaling, or walking to help relieve stress, and take this process seriously. Stress can kill you if you don't address it with a serious plan.
When it comes to the health of your gut, this is a topic than cannot be taken lightly. Put your gut health first, and you will start to feel better in all aspects of your life.
xoxo Olivia
