Gut Microbiome is described as the totality of microorganisms that live in the gut such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi, and their collective genetic material that is present in the gastrointestinal track.
Gut microbiome plays an important role in the maintenance of health and the progression of disease. Interruptions in the function of the gut microbiome can cause a disruption of the gut barrier and can lead to several gastrointestinal issues. Because our gut microbiome plays a critical role in regulating our immune response, detoxification, and absorption of nutrients it is especially important in supporting the health of your digestive system.
Imagine your small intestine is a city. Microbiomes are the residents that live in that city. Trillions of them. They all have jobs to do to keep your gut functioning and healthy. Because microbiome plays a critical role in our immune response, environmental factors, food choices, and lifestyle choices are the strongest influences in determining our health.
Research has identified that environmental factors, poor food choices, and lifestyle choices are the main determinants that trigger faulty genes and result in leaky gut. Leaky gut syndrome is a digestive condition that affects the lining of the small intestine where gaps in the intestinal wall allows bacteria and toxins to pass into the bloodstream. Scientific research suggest leaky gut syndrome leads to a range of serious medical conditions. When bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream, it can cause a widespread inflammation and trigger a reaction from the immune system. Signs that you may have leaky gut would include bloating, gas, cramps, skin problems, digestive issues, IBS, and fatigue. If left untreated leaky gut can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers.
If you think you may have leaky gut it is possible to repair the intestinal track. Foods you may want to consider avoiding would include:
- Gluten containing grains, Wheat based products, bread, pasta, cereals, flour, couscous.
- Processed meats such as bacon, deli meats, hot dogs, high fat meats
- Baked goods: pies, cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries
- sugar
- cheese
Foods that help heal the gut:
- High-fiber foods such as beans, apples, spinach, lentils, walnuts
- Probiotics
- Fruits and veggies (most important factor in gut health)
- Gluten free products
- Fermented foods such as kimchi
- Lean meat, organic if possible. Reduce meat intake to only a few servings a week and supplement protein intake with plant protein.
Take control of your health. Changes in what you eat will significantly improve your weight loss efforts and will also improve your health dramatically. Love your body and it will love you!
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