Gut Feeling
Today I wanted to share with you something super important that may not have crossed your mind before...
It’s how your gut health may be affecting how your body gains and loses weight.
In recent years, a ‘healthy gut’ has become the ‘big thing’ in the health and wellness world. And it’s for a good reason.
It’s because the gut can be the source for major systematic issues if it’s not balanced and working properly.
Inside your gut, there are trillions of ‘good bacteria’ or microbes which are critical to your overall health and the body’s systematic functions, one of those functions is absorption of nutrients for storage or energy.
Just to be clear, gut bacteria won't directly cause you to lose weight. Rather, it can have a domino effect on your body…
...which will determine how much nutrients from food is actually being absorbed by the body and how hungry you feel… thereby indirectly influencing if you gain, lose, or maintain your weight levels.
And when your digestive system is firing on all cylinders, it helps naturally boost your metabolism and help you burn calories more efficiently.
You’ll also be less bloated, feel less sluggish, and have more energy.
Not sure if you have a gut issue?
Now, I’m no doctor, but there are five tell-tale signs you may need to see one if you think you have gut issues and are experiencing any of these issues...
Constant upset stomach. You know, frequent disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation (or the opposite, diarrhea) and heartburn.
Diet rich with sugars, refined or processed foods. High amounts of processed foods attack the ‘good bacteria in the stomach that helps digestion. Also, diets high in refined sugars, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, have been linked to increased inflammation in the body, which can cause various issues in the body, including digestive.
Unintentional weight changes. Gaining or losing weight when there’s been no change to your diet may be a sign of gut issues, that’s because as mentioned earlier, improper food absorption will trickle down to how your body stores fat and regulates blood sugars.
Poor sleep & fatigue. The majority of the body’s serotonin, a hormone that affects mood and sleep, is produced in the gut. So gut issues can influence your ability to sleep well.
Food Intolerances. If various foods trigger stomach problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or heartburn, there may be an underlying gut issue.
Again, if you are experiencing any of these conditions, it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider for further evaluation. The bottom line is when you’re on a path to health and wellness -- especially if your goal is weight loss -- make sure you have a healthy gut. If the body’s main ‘food furnace’ isn’t working properly, it’s going to throw off all the good things you’re trying to do to lose weight and be healthy. So just be aware. Your for health, happiness and longevity,
Coach Mere (www.sveltetraining.com)
P.S. One natural way to help your gut absorb nutrients, vitamins, minerals and amino acids from food more efficiently is to make sure your diet is rich fiber and ‘superfoods’ such as apples, oats, asparagus, flaxseed, chicory root, chia seeds, papaya, fennel, beets, ginger, and dark leafy greens. To the contrary, foods (and drinks) that will actually harm your gut health include diet soda, red meat, processed and refined foods, and saturated fats. Don’t want to eat all these foods? A convenient to get gut supporting superfoods is by powder and blend into a smoothie. Just make sure whatever digestive blend you choose is high quality and includes digestive enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and fiber… all important to support overall digestive health and weight management
