Anyone who buys a machine–whether it be a complex one like a car or a simple machine like a power washer–knows that with proper care, a machine can function well and without difficulty for long periods of time. Our bodies are also machines that need proper care and maintenance in order to function well over time.
Scientists that study the body are continually looking for ways to unravel the relationship between your gut health (aka your digestive system) and how your body functions. Turns out, there is a strong correlation between how your digestive system is functioning and your energy levels. If you feel low on energy, are tired, or are having a hard time concentrating, you might need to invest a little TLC into your body care regime. Fortunately, there are many ways to get your gut health back on track. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps necessary for restoring gut health so you can feel amazing again.
Gut Health and You
Although you may not realize it, your digestive system has the ability to make or break your day. After all, your gut microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria that help to break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off infections. When gut health is imbalanced, it can lead to a whole host of problems, including digestive issues, fatigue, and even low energy levels or moodiness. Recent surveys show that more than half of Americans suffer from poor digestive health. What you eat and how efficiently your digestive system can function to break down food and harness energy from it has a huge impact on daily life. Lest you think that your body can take years of digesting processed foods and useless carbohydrates, consider this study that revealed how mice that were switched from a low-fat plant diet to a high-fat, high-sugar Western diet showed signs of an altered gut microbiome in just one day. Just one day! Science shows that what you eat does have an impact on your body. But here’s the good news: it’s never too late to restore your gut health.
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How To Know If You Have Gut Issues
When it comes to keeping your digestive system running at top speed, balance and diversity are key. A western diet high in fat, sugar, and low in fiber can kill gut bacteria, making your gut microbiome less diverse, leading to a sluggish digestive system and digestive problems like discomfort, occasional constipation, and bloating. Antibiotics can also upset the delicate balance between the good and bad bacteria that naturally live and thrive in your digestive system.
Most people think of the gut as simply the stomach or intestines, but it's actually much more than that. The gut is made up of many different organs and systems, all working together to keep you healthy. When something goes wrong with gut health, not only can it cause you gastric discomfort, but it can also cause skin problems and low mood. So how do you know if you have gut issues? Look for common symptoms like abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, and skin problems. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to consult a doctor.
Foods That Help Restore Your Gut Health
You’ve likely heard of probiotics, but the term prebiotics may be unfamiliar. Simply put, probiotics are live bacteria that are found in certain foods or supplements, while prebiotics are different types of fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. Prebiotics also contain antioxidants which can prevent or delay some types of cell damage. Both prebiotics and probiotics are important for keeping your body running like a well-oiled machine.
Probiotics We Love
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut are great sources of probiotics. These types of foods are preserved using bacteria and yeast. When ingested, these foods can help maintain a healthy gut flora by replenishing the beneficial bacteria that normally exist in your gut microbiome. Need some ideas for how to incorporate these heavy hitters into your diet? Try using kefir in your breakfast smoothie instead of milk, or adding sauerkraut to a pulled pork sandwich or potato salad. You can also add kimchi to an egg and veggie rice bowl for a spicy kick.
Dark Chocolate
Do you have a bit of a sweet tooth? Research shows that even a small amount of dark chocolate contains important anti-inflammatory antioxidants as well as gut-healthy probiotics. You can also toss cocoa powder into a banana smoothie for a healthier chocolate fix.
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Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is considered a healthy fat that encourages the production of peptides. Peptides help ensure optimal digestion, so reach for olive oil instead of butter the next time you stir fry vegetables, or use it as a base for salad dressings.
Prebiotics We Love
Bananas
Bananas are full of the types of fiber that the beneficial bacteria in your gut love to eat. For a quick snack in between meals, grab a banana and pair it with almond or peanut butter.
Garlic
Garlic contains a dynamic prebiotic fiber duo that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation.
Leafy Green Veggies
These green beauties contain a specific type of sugar and fiber that healthy gut bacteria love to feed on. Add these to soups, blend them in a mid-afternoon smoothie for a quick pick-me-up, or eat them as a stand-alone in salads.
Raspberries
These sweet red berries contain 8 grams of fiber per one cup, amounting to one-third of your daily intake. Because they contain antioxidants that your gut loves to snack on, raspberries do a fantastic job of keeping the beneficial bacteria in your gut well fed. Add them to a smoothie, or throw them on top of oatmeal or a high-fiber cereal to add some sweetness without the guilt.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a powerful prebiotic for the gut. It contains an antioxidant that fights off free radicals and other inflammatory compounds in the body. Tossing the asparagus with olive oil and roasting it in the oven will preserve its crispness, or you can shave it raw and add it to a green salad or omelet.
Onions
Onions are very versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes and salads. They are full of prebiotics that promote healthy gut flora while also helping to fight cholesterol and relieve constipation.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, like grapefruit and oranges, are rich in the types of fiber that stimulate the growth of good gut bacteria. Incorporate more of these as a healthy, but sweet, snack, or use them in smoothies to keep your digestive system humming.
Avocado
This oval fruit is packed with fiber and essential nutrients, like potassium, which helps build a strong and healthy digestive system. Their mild, but nutty taste pairs nicely with many foods, but be careful of portions. Avocados contain healthy fats, and a little goes a long way.
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Tips For Living a Healthy Gut Life
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: it’s never too late to restore your gut microbiome! Taking a supplement and/or committing to clean eating can help restore your gut to a balanced and diverse state. It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. We love combining probiotics and prebiotics into easy, quick snacks. Smoothies are great for this, as you can combine creamy greek yogurt (a probiotic) with a prebiotic like raspberries for a duo that packs a big punch. Also, avoiding red meat, alcohol, processed or refined sugars, and artificial sweeteners will go a long way toward helping your gut churn away at optimum capacity. Along with food, finding time to exercise and getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night will help your body function like the machine it was built to be for many more years to come.
Xyngular Digestion Duo: Healthy Gut Vibes Are Within Your Grasp
Your body is the only one you have, so taking care of it for life takes concentrated time and effort. At Xyngular, we love to make your life easier, so we created the Digestion Duo to help you restore and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. You’ll love the health benefits of less bloating, reduced cravings, better sleep, and improved immune and mood support.*
Our Digestion Duo pairs Xyngular Complete Collagen and Xyngular Complete Probiotic for a well-rounded approach to healthy gut flora. Complete Collagen is packed with Vitamin C, collagen peptides, and digestive enzymes that are carefully curated to help strengthen your gut. Complete Probiotic is formulated with 11 clinically studied strains of bacteria known for helping with digestion, immune response, metabolism, and even mood.
Can’t find the time to work everything in? Consider getting the probiotic/prebiotic duo through quality supplements like Xyngular’s Digestion Duo. It’s easy, healthy, and quick–just what the doctor ordered.
GET DIGESTION DUO TODAY!
To start restoring your gut health, reach out to your Xyngular distributor, log in to your Xyngular account, or give us a call at 801.756.8808 today!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
