A guide to gut issues

As a Naturopath and holistic health practitioner, I often see clients who are struggling with gut issues such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These problems can have a significant impact on daily life, and addressing them is crucial to achieving optimal health and wellbeing.

Having poor digestive health can impact our hormones, energy levels and moods which can be really hard to navigate. We know that 90% of serotonin our happy hormones is made in the gut, along wiht 70% of our immune system!

When it comes to gut health, there are several key factors to consider, including dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and the use of natural remedies to support the digestive system. Here are five examples of dietary and lifestyle changes that can help improve gut health:

1. Increase Fiber Intake: Many people don't consume enough fiber in their diet, which can lead to constipation and other digestive issues. Adding more fiber-rich foods like vegetables can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion. If you find that fibre makes you more bloated, then we need to address potential bacterial overgrowth first.

2. Reduce Sugar and Processed Foods: Eating a diet high in sugar and processed foods can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, leading to inflammation and other digestive problems. Reducing these foods and focusing on whole foods can help restore balance and support gut health.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for proper digestion and gut health. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, and consider adding electrolytes or herbal teas to your routine for added hydration and nourishment.

4. Practice Mindful Eating: Eating mindfully can help reduce stress and improve digestion by allowing the body to fully digest and absorb nutrients. Take time to sit down and eat without distractions, chew food thoroughly, and focus on the sensory experience of eating.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can have a significant impact on gut health by disrupting the balance of gut bacteria and causing inflammation. Incorporating stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, or breathwork into your daily routine can help support the digestive system and improve overall health.

In addition to these dietary and lifestyle changes, there are several key nutrients that can support gut health. Here are three top nutrients to consider:

1. Polyphenols: Polyphenols help to modulation the balance in the gut environment. They help to build up the beneficial bacteria in our gut important for our immune system, energy levels and moods, whilst reducing the growth of pathogens such a parasites, yeast, fungi.

2. Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzymes are essential for breaking down food and allowing the body to absorb nutrients properly. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can help support digestion and reduce symptoms like bloating and gas.

3. Glutamine: Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and repairing the intestinal lining. Adding glutamine-rich foods like bone broth, grass-fed meat, and leafy greens to your diet can help support gut health and reduce inflammation. B0ne broth is the one and only ‘superfood’ that I would reccomend to my clients. Bone broth is extremely nutrient dense and contains collagen and amino acids which are the building blocks for all of the structures in the body. Bone broth can help reduce gut inflammation, help with regular bowel motions and also heal the gut lining reducing ‘leaky gut’.

In conclusion, gut health is an essential component of overall health and wellbeing, and addressing issues like bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort is crucial for achieving optimal health. By making dietary and lifestyle changes and incorporating key nutrients like probiotics, digestive enzymes, and glutamine, it is possible to support gut health and promote healthy digestion. As a Naturopath and holistic health practitioner, I am committed to helping clients achieve optimal health through natural and holistic methods, and supporting gut health is a crucial part of that process.