Nourishing Your Gut

The gateway to your health is your gut. The digestive tract starts in the mouth and ends at the anus. Many people suffer from digestive upset somewhere along the tract, whether it's acid reflux, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.

Your healthy gut is important because it:

• promotes immunity
• prevents gastrointestinal infections
• reduces inflammation
• regulates body weight
• synthesizes nutrients such as vitamin K, B12 and short-chain fatty acids
• protects the integrity of your gut lining

Ninety-five percent of serotonin is manufactured in your digestive system. Where there is imbalances in your gut, you may experience the following:

• IBS
• GERD
• Celiac disease
• Food sensitivities
• Food allergies
• Colitis or ulcerative colitis
• Some cancers
• Inability to lose weight
• Heart disease
• Neurological disorders like anxiety and depression
• Skin problems

Why does the gut get out of balance and toxicity creep in?

• Diet high in sugar
• Diet high in processed foods
• Diet low in minerals
• Toxicity in the foods you eat
• Years of taking antibiotics and birth control
• Eating foods that inflame the body

By strengthening your gut, adding good bacteria, denying and eliminating the problem foods, and supporting the immune system, you can reduce inflammation and the symptoms associated with it.