Our body is home to a trillion bacterial species, which form the human microbiome. Each microbiome is unique and benefit its human host in a beautiful way.
We have a very symbiotic relationship with the bacteria living in our gut. We give them a happy home to live and as a thank you they provide a world of benefits for you. They digest your food, keep your immune system safe, act as soldiers when infectious agents attack you, keep toxins out, and produce the nutrients needed for human nutrition and optimal health.
The foundation of good gut health begins with what you eat. Bacteria thrive on what you feed them. Our current diet of highly processed, high-sugar, high-fat, low-fiber diet has substantially altered our gut bacteria, contributing to many health problems like obesity, diabetes, and auto immune disease.
The good news is you can alter your microbiome with every bite you eat. Cleaning up your diet is the most powerful way to kill the bad bacteria and enhance the good guys. Focusing on fiber-rich vegetables, low-sugar fruits, non-gluten grains, healthy fats and some legumes can drastically improve our gut function and therefor overall health.
An imbalanced gut can have so many negative effects on your body that scientists actually conduct what is called a fecal transplant (infusing someone else’s poop into you) for weight loss and combating symptoms of auto immune disease.
If you are like me and prefer a more pleasant approach to health, one of the best ways to decrease inflammation and heal the gut is to follow a 4-step program. When people employ these steps they lose weight, feel better and their symptoms improve:
1. Remove the bad bugs, drugs and food allergens.
2. Replace needed enzymes, fiber and prebiotics
3. Re-inoculate your gut with good bacteria (probiotics)
4. Repair the gut lining with omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, glutamine and other healing nutrients.
The 4 R program is not for the odd stomach cramps or bloating. You might want to consider trying an elimination diet to address food sensitivities and eliminate symptoms if that is the case. The 4 R program is best suited for people that have struggled with health issues for a long time have been unable to find relief.
This is a program I followed on my own journey to regain my health and it is no doubt very effective. The important things to remember is that healing takes time and discipline. You didn’t get to where you are overnight, and you won’t come into full health overnight either. Healing your body requires patients, understanding, disciple and love. Love yourself enough to say no to the things that hurt you and yes to the processes put in place to help you.
If you are struggling with health issues and would like help investigating gut health or treatment plans, please contact me. Together we can investigate the cause, research options and co-create a treatment plan that will bring you back into full health and unleash an UNLIMITED YOU!
Vitamin G wellness Blog - A division of Unlimited You Coaching