Your “gut” refers to your entire gastrointestinal tract forming your digestive system, from mouth to colon. Your gut is home to millions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which are collectively known as your microbiome. The health of your gut affects all of your body systems and is considered the gateway to your health.
The gut bacteria of your microbiome support your immune system, heart health, body weight and many other aspects of health. Your gut microbiome directly controls digestion and nutrient absorption and provides crucial support of your immune system which originates in your gut.
When your gut is “unhealthy” and out of balance, it can cause much more than gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, or diarrhea. When your gut is unhealthy, your immune system will be suppressed, your hormones become imbalanced, inflammation sets in increasing your risk of autoimmune diseases, you will experience chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and skin conditions including eczema and rosacea.
Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
Gastrointestinal Upset – A constant or recurring upset stomach with constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn may be the first signs of an unhealthy gut.
Gas And Bloating – Continuous or constant gas and bloating are signals that food is fermenting in your gut, a clear sign that there is a microbiome imbalance and a lack of “healthy” bacteria to break down the food.
Halitosis – Constant bad breath may be an indicator that you have less-than-optimal (imbalanced) gut flora to digest food properly, and rotting food in your gut.
Food Allergies – Food allergies or food intolerances and sensitivities may be caused by leaky gut syndrome, small “holes” in the barrier that lines your intestines.
Rapid Weight Loss Or Weight Gain – Inexplicable rapid weight loss or gain may be caused by digestive, absorptive or elimination problems directly related to your gut health.
Steps to Improve your Gut Health
The foods you eat are vital for maintaining gut health.
Probiotics and Prebiotics – Support and balance your microbiome. Probiotics are “good” gut bacteria and prebiotics are food for these bacteria. Probiotics abound in fermented foods, while prebiotics are found in fibrous fruits, vegetables, and grains. Eat more sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kefir, and pickles.
Eat More Unprocessed Foods – Natural, whole, and unprocessed foods support the growth of healthy microbes in your gut. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, are excellent sources of fiber.
Avoid Inflammatory Foods – Inflammatory foods include gluten, dairy products, corn, soy, and sugar. These foods trigger your inflammatory response and are responsible for the majority of your food sensitivities and food allergies.
Avoid Intestinal Irritants – Food and drinks containing chocolate, alcohol, caffeine or sorbitol irritate the lining of your gut and also trigger irritable bowel syndrome.
What’s Next?
If you want to help clients with food, diet, weight management and improving the results of their fitness routines, the Fitness Nutrition Coach course is for you. You will learn about optimal nutrition, including proven techniques for increasing energy, optimal health and decreased dependence on medications. Instantly increase your job and career opportunities with this popular professional credential.
You can become a Certified Personal Fitness Chef and expand your current personal chef business, or add a new profit center for your fitness or wellness business. Many personal chefs cook and coach people in groups to help more people and earn more money per hour. Some chefs provide weekly meal prep service for health-minded customers and athletes.
Check out what it takes to start a career in personal fitness training. This is your most affordable and fastest way to become a highly qualified personal trainer.
NESTA coaching programs are open to anyone with a desire to learn and help others. There are no prerequisites.
That’s it for now.
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