5 things I do for my gut health everyday
If you read one of my last posts, you may remember that gut health is foundational to whole body health - from fertility to mental health to postpartum healing all the way to menopausal health. It is a FOUNDATION for Feminine wellness.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where we are constantly exposed to things that harm our gut- both the cells that create the precious mucousal lining and the complex and essential microbes that create our microbiome.
From contaminants in our water, to pesticides on our food, hormonal birth control, commonly prescribed medications to over the counter meds like Ibuprofen, not to mention STRESS and trauma….all of these things have BIG impacts on our guts and microbiomes.
The gut and microbiome is involved in….
Synthesizing essential vitamins
Absorbing ALL of our much needed nutrients
Producing and regulating neurotransmitters
Optimizing the function of our immune cells
Communicating directly to our brain via the vagus nerve
All to say, the gut and its’ bugs are super vital to our health.
As someone who has celiac disease, gut health has been and continues to be a constant learning process and I have learned that tending to my gut and microbiome is not a one time effort, but a mindful lifestyle that I have to be committed to.
You may come see me as a patient, hoping for a protocol that will “fix your gut” in 3 months or less. I hate to break it to you, that will never be enough. In the face of constant assaults, gut healing is a lifelong commitment and lifestyle and one that is absolutely worth all the effort as it serves as the FOUNDATION for the rest of your vitality.
I work with my patients to establish healthy gut healing habits that stick with them for a lifetime so they don’t have to depend on supplements or herbs for forever. These things are not based off fad diets and supplement companies scammy claims, they are based on your biological blueprint and what your body evolved with and for.
Some of these things might sound familiar to you…
1) Avoid/ reduce common irritants
The most common things that you are likely exposed to everyday include pesticides, contaminated or fluorinated tap water, over the counter medications, prescription medications and hard to digest foods (that’s a big topic, let’s chat if you want to learn more)
2) Drink meat stock daily
Meat stock is made by cooking meaty, collagenous bones for a few hours to create a collagen rich stock- containing the exact amino acid complex that your intestinal mucousal cells need to heal, seal and thrive.
Meat stock
There is good reason why everyone eats homemade chicken soup when sick…
3) Consume easy to digest, nutrient dense foods daily
Our gut lining cells and their microbes need specific nutrients to thrive. Consuming slow cooked collagenous meats, animal fats and fermented vegetables daily give our bodies and microbes exactly what they need. The body was not made to consume large amounts of raw food, salads, smoothies and improperly prepared legumes and grains.
4) Be mindful about when, where and how I am eating
Eating and digestion involves the nervous system. Your brain plays a HUGE role in how your body receives, breaks down and absorbs nutrients. Eating in a stressed state, standing up, on the go or too quickly profoundly impacts your digestion and long term gut health. It may seem simple or like an annoying cliche, but meal times should be calm and should involved a lot of breathing and CHEWING! (Yes, chewing your food is important). If you simply cannot pause to enjoy your meal times for whatever reason, practice taking 3-5 deep, slow belly breaths before eating, wherever you are.
5) Consume homemade ferments daily
Eating fermented food is a must for gut health. It is hard to beat homemade ferments compared to store bought or even high quality probiotics (which I do often recommend too!) Not only do home fermented foods pack an incredible amount of gut healing microbes, but the interaction between the microbes and the nutrients in the food are synergistic- meaning that fermentation IMPROVES the quantity and bioavailability of nutrients in the food. For example, fermented sauerkraut has almost 200x the amount of Vitamin C as the cabbage it was made from! I personally make homemade raw kefir and beet kvass to consume daily. Starting to consume home ferments (or really any of these steps listed above) is not black and white or linear and may worsen digestive symptoms before improving them.
It is not required, but it IS so helpful to work with someone like me who has walked this journey and has supported hundreds of Women in healing their guts and subsequently healing their hormone imbalance, infertility, exhaustion, depression- you name it. If you think your gut health may be at the root of your issues, let’s work on it together.
I’ve got all the triumphs, failures, recipes, tips and tricks- for reals.