Let's Show Our Gut Some Love!

When we support our gut, we're actually supporting so much more. Better moods, clearer thinking, and less stress impacts. This is because of the magical connection between our brain and our gut microbiome.

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The Gut-Brain Axis.

We do have a second brain and it's located in our gut termed; gut-brain axis a bidirectional communication network that links our enteric nervous system [located in the gut] with the central nervous system [located in the brain].

This crucial communication network regulates digestion, mood, and cognitive function. These two systems are in constant communication and when operating well, we experience improved health and well-being.

Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle and diet can impact gut health leading to issues with our brain health as well.

Improving gut health requires us to consider increasing these important foods that contain probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols.

Delicious Polyphenols do have a prebiotic effect by increasing beneficial gut bacteria and promoting production of beneficial metabolites. Add these foods to your plate or include them as a daily beverage.

• Blueberries

• Apples

• Plums

• Pomegranates

• Green Tea

• Cinnamon

• Black Olives

• Blackberries

• Cocoa/Cacao Powder

• Turmeric

• Red Onion

• Artichokes

• Cherries

• Oregano

• Cloves

• Red Grapes

Powerful Pre-biotics are fiber-rich foods that serve as fuel for the probiotics, increasing their growth and activity. Include as many as you can with each meal.

• Garlic

• Apple

• Leek

• Oats

• Asparagus

• Onion

• Banana

• Dandelion Greens

Potent Pro-biotics are live beneficial microbes that help balance our gut by adding in good bacteria which is often found in fermented foods. Aim for a fermented food at every meal.

Yogurt

Sauerkraut

Kombucha

Kimchi

Kefir

Sourdough [real fermented]

Miso

Tempeh

These vital foods; polyphenols, pro-biotics, and pre-biotics will nourish our body and help us to thrive.

Impacts of the Modern Diet.

Did you know that what you eat impacts hormones, neurotransmitters, inflammation, and blood sugar by either increasing stress or aiding in recovery and resilence? The Standard American Diet [SAD] is made up of highly processed foods that have hijacked our taste buds and brains.

We have actually lost what real foods taste like, preferring the highly salted, fatty pseudo-food substances that are easily obtained and served quickly.

This requirement of fast, cheap and readily available at all hours is the number 1 reason we are exactly where we are today - fatter, sicker, and needing multiple medications to address our mounting symptoms of ill-health!

We can all improve our health outcomes when we first consider how the foods we choose affect our blood sugar. We must begin eating in a way the focuses on improved metabolic health, brain function, and stable moods. This is accomplished by eliminating highly processed foods, increasing fiber and protein and making sure to include the foods listed above. Crowding out those foods that negatively impact our health by eating more whole real foods is a great way to not feel deprived.

Instead of thinking "I can't eat that", focus on increasing the foods that will support a healthy body.

Eating more real, whole foods will actually help us to feel satisfied and can curb the mindless snacking of foods engineered to make us want more and more and more.

Our body is always communicating and when we begin to tune into how we are feeling, we will be able to eat and live in a way that supports health.

Buyer Beware.

For many of us, we are stuck in a cycle of feeling like nothing will ever change. I understand this and sometimes because we have been chasing down so many "it" supplements, potions and lotions that promise amazing results but haven't delivered, we are left frustrated and discouraged.

Health has been monetized and this huge industry can require a degree in both nutrition and marketing to navigate it. We can fall prey to our eagerness to feel better, loose weight and stop the daily aches & pains by purchasing more and more products.

Unfortunatey, without addressing the Foundations of Health that include; lifestyle, food, sleep, hydration, light environment and movement, we will be left without positive long-term change.

My Philosophy as a NTP.

I believe feeling better at any age is not only possible, but can happen without financial hardship. I have developed easy and simple lifestyle steps toward health that can make a big difference.

Today is the day to make some changes and begin feeling better!

Move The Needle gives you the tools to live well throughout your life.

Reach out and we can talk about your goals.

https://www.janlindquistntp.com/services-1-1

Thanks for reading,

Jan