A hot topic lately has been gut health, and if you have not heard of it, now is the time to pay attention.
Several decades ago, the world went crazy over the concept of bacteria and viruses.
We became terrified to touch bugs, dirt, grime, or anything we decided was “unsanitary.”
Soap companies made a fortune off hand sanitizers, antibacterial soaps, and chemical cleansers that made promises like “kills 99.9% of bacteria.”
Doctors offered antibiotics for every infection, keeping us super healthy at the the sign of a cough and sneeze.
And then it all caught up with us.
Oops.
Bacteria and the Immune System
The science caught up with the panic, and it turns out that humans actually need to be exposed to both bacteria and viruses in order to build healthy immune systems.
We evolved over millions of years to the human beings we are today as a result of having been exposed to bacteria and viruses.
And each time one culture or civilization was exposed to a harsh virus or bacteria it had never encountered before, it could wipe out an entire population of people.
That’s how important it was, it is, to ensure we expose ourselves to the bugs in our environment.
It also turns out that all of those chemicals, soaps, and antibiotics did not do us as much good as we had hoped.
They actually, instead, allowed for the development of superbugs, bacteria that could resist and overcome those chemicals and antibiotics, making our so-called saviors far less effective.
But, of course, who can blame us?
We thought we had an enemy in bacteria, and so we tried to wipe that enemy out.
We failed.
Now we know better.
Exposure to bacteria is actually good for our immune system. It makes us stronger and more resilient in the long run.
Good Bacteria in the Gut
We also never really talked about the good bacteria out there.
Sure, we have “bad” bacteria all around us and inside of us, in our guts.
But in our guts with that bad bacteria is a ton of good bacteria that is actually beneficial to our health.
All told, humans have about 200 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in our digestive tract, and the type of bugs we have can make all the difference.
Studies have been done recently in which fecal matter is transplanted from a person with a healthy gut to a person with an unhealthy gut, and the results so far have been extraordinary.
A Fecal Microbiota Transplantation has cure rates between 85% and 95%. That’s better than most surgeries and most traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
As of today, FMT is being performed experimentally to treat obesity, urinary tract infection, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, colon issues, and more.
It is a simple procedure, non-invasive, with very little risk, much less risk than surgery or other invasive procedures.
That is how powerful healthy poop, and by extension a healthy gut, is.
Get a Healthy Gut
The nice thing is, you don’t need an FMT if you can fix your gut now.
How do you know if you have an unhealthy gut?
Chances are good that your gut is unhealthy.
A recent survey has shown that 2 out of 3 individuals are burdened by gastrointestinal symptoms, and not all gut health issues are obvious.
Skin issues can be related to the gut.
Mental health and mood disorders can be related to the gut.
Fatigue can be a gut issue.
You don’t have to have pain in your stomach or gut to have an unhealthy gut. But it is certainly the case that if you do have an unhealthy gut now, it may manifest into something painful or serious later.
The bottom line: fix your gut and you address your overall wellness.
How?
Steps Toward a Healthy Gut
Lower Your Stress
Chronic stress raises your cortisol levels, which is hard on your whole body, including your gut.
Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleep triggers gut issues, which triggers poor sleep, which trigger gut issues… you get the idea.
Aim for at least 7 hours of restful sleep each night.
Eat Slowly
Take your time eating, slowly and carefully, which will allow your body to digest your food better and help you maintain a healthy gut.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water has been shown to increase the diversity of bacteria in your gut. It also helps prevent constipation.
Eat Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods
Probiotics are the good bacteria in your gut, and you can get those from fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles, and kombucha.
Prebiotics are the foods that feed your good bacteria and keep it thriving and healthy, usually herbs, spices, and vegetables. Think onion, garlic, and greens like broccoli.
Check for Food Intolerances
Many people have a sensitivity to foods like gluten or dairy and they don’t even realize it.
Try an elimination diet and see if you feel better after a few weeks.
Change Your Diet
Eat more plants! It can only benefit your total wellness as well as your gut health to introduce more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Come Into Agua Fresh Today!
If you’re looking for more ways to get plants in your diet and not have to worry about food sensitivities, Agua Fresh is here to serve!
With fresh sandwiches and smoothies, we’ll help you meet your dietary needs and ensure your gut is on its way to happy and healthy.
Come into Agua Fresh for your next meal today!
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