Carol was the first person I ever knew who talked about the “gut.” In my family we used gentile terms – tummy, insides, belly. Gut sounded harsh to me, but now I’m used to it, even my doctor talks “gut health.” Lack of sleep, exercise, and healthy foods, (as well as too much fat, sugar, and alcohol) are a recipe for a damaged gut. They throw your gut off kilter; specifically, all the bad microbes, which diminish levels of the beneficial bacteria. When that happens, you’re at risk for higher levels of inflammation, constipation, poor digestion, and, of course, unnecessary weight gain.
You can actually do lasting damage over a short amount of time. Only a day or two of bad eating … and bad gut emerges. Never good news. But boosting your belly health is especially important when you’re on a diet. Maintaining a healthy gut also helps you sleep better, regulates your hunger hormones, and boosts immunity. Managing a healthy gut, for me, is truly an onging (and lifelong) challenge. I eat probiotic gummies and any number of other supposedly helpful supplements. I med my frequent stomach aches with Pepcid and Zantac. It’s truly a pain (in more than my tummy!). My doc said to look for natural “prebiotics,” like legumes, onions, artichokes, spinach, and oats (to feed the good stuff in your gut), as well as “probiotics,” which function as reinforcements (to drive out the bad stuff). I was reading an article in the waiting room, which recommended several foods for a healthy gut:
Dark Chocolate (yay!)
Greek Yogurt (okay)
Green Peas (yum)
Kimchi (NO)
Green Olives (okay)
Kefir (huh-uh)
Pickles (dill, sweet and sour – yes!)
Miso (nope)
Sourdough (not on my plan)
Beets (yep)
Cottage Cheese (low-fat, lactose-free?)
Soft Aged Cheese (you know)
Sauerkraut (okay)
Kombucha (nope, too smelly)
Beer and Wine (I don’t drink, but it’s nice to know)
There are some things on that list I just can’t be talked in to. And a funny note, the very next article was titled, “Ditch the Booze for a Healthier You.” I read on, of course, and I don’t even drink. But this expert suggested if you struggle drinking water, especially in the evening, opt for a cup of green tea, or sparkling cranberry juice – both are full of anti-inflammatory antioxidants to help quell inflammation and keep your system hydrated. Hydration is not my problem, but I kept readying. So my story came full-circle. Never know what you can learn while waiting on your doc!