The Importance of Gut Health
Our gut health is connected to our mental health as well as health in so many other areas. More and more research has been conducted to reveal the integral role our gut plays for our whole-person health. Some are even beginning to term the gut’s microorganism system as its own organ, called the “microbiota organ” (1). This speaks to the essential role our gut’s microbiota play in all areas of our health. Though all of the connections haven’t been researched fully, it is known that being in a “dysbiotic” state, meaning that our microbiota aren’t balanced and in harmony, leads to unbalanced health and mental wellness (2) consequences. The good news is that we can do a gut reset and make the right choices for a healthy gut.
Tips To Reset Your Digestive System
So how can we make those right choices for our gut and give it a reset?
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Prioritize your plants.
A key part of resetting your gut is to boost your fiber. This fiber will fuel your microbiota with prebiotics. Eat lower-sugar fruits and vegetables throughout the day. If you crave something sweet, try some berries with a splash of grass-fed dairy milk, unsweetened soy, or almond milk.
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Cut out the meats.
Studies consistently show that reducing red meats and fats helps restore our body’s microbiota to balance (5). After your reset, as much as you can, limit your sources of meat coming from animals that were treated with antibiotics and hormones. A healthier and happier animal will provide us with healthier protein, and choosing more plant proteins is better too.
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Gently move your body.
Movement stimulates our gut’s motility to help maintain healthy digestion. Movements like yoga or walking are great to start. Choose exercises that are gentle and restorative.
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Hydrate with electrolytes.
Both water and electrolytes are necessary for optimal digestion and motility. Keep things fresh by adding electrolytes such as Performance® Low-Calorie Electrolyte Drink and fresh citrus fruit, mint, or cucumbers to your water. Try to drink enough water to never feel thirsty and to use the restroom regularly. Limit your alcohol and caffeine.
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Add in healthy probiotics.
Sources of probiotics are fermented foods, yogurt with live cultures, and probiotic support such as Optiflora® DI.* Combine with Optiflora® Prebiotic Complex for an extra boost to fuel your microbiota.*
Thank you for the time you have taken to better understand your gut health! It makes my dietitian’s heart happy to know that you are improving your gut health and restoring your body’s balance.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sarah is the Shaklee Pure Performance Team dietitian/nutritionist. She is also a two-time competitor for the USA in the Summer Games, participating in the 10-meter Air Rifle event in 2012 and 2016. Her experience as an elite athlete and her status as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Licensed Nutritionist (LN) make her perfectly suited to consult with Pure Performance Team athletes on their nutritional needs. Sarah graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas with a BS in Nutrition in 2013 and then earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Healthcare Management. She specializes in weight loss, improved sport performance, diabetes prevention, heart health, healthy aging, smoking cessation, and performance goals. Her hobbies include church ministries, mountaineering, physical fitness, and gardening. Keep up with her on her website or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
