5 INGREDIENTS THAT ARE SECRETLY WREAKING HAVOC ON YOUR GUT + HEALTH
When you think of your GUT, you are probably only thinking of your belly. But the gut—or gastrointestinal system—is just that: a system.
The gut includes the mouth, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, and rectum.
The guts role goes so much further than just helping us digest and assimilate food. Our microbiome—and its community of bacteria—extends its influence far beyond the gut wall. It affects our overall health and wellbeing in countless ways; (regulation of our hormones, mood enhancing chemicals, and blood sugar, which of course impact on our immune, endocrine and nervous systems.
The gut is powerful yet delicate. It can easily be thrown out of balance.
Signs of an imbalanced digestive system will naturally vary from person to person, but generally speaking, the following are physical indicators of an underlying gut issue:
❁Digestive issues
❁Unexpected weight loss or weight gain
❁Constant Fatigue
❁Oestrogen Dominance
❁Skin Conditions
❁Food Intolerance/ Histamine Intolerance
❁Mood Changes
In the past 10 years, we’ve been quick to blame sugar, wheat and dairy for all of our gut issues, and while some of that still holds true, you may be more surprised about the amount of ‘healthy’ foods we have turned to in their place; of which, are packed with ingredients that are wreaking havoc on your gut. Plant Based + Gluten Free alternatives - I’m looking at you! Because we’re all bio-individuals, what causes your digestive issues won’t be the same as the next person, therefore, I want you take this list with a grain of salt, and please don’t beat yourself up about it. I’ll be the first to admit I went through a phase a few years back, of switching the plant based milks/creams/meats and gluten free breads, thinking they were a healthier option. Knowing what I do now, I’m on a mission to get people returning to REAL whole foods, and the most simplest way to do this is to prepare your food as much as you can from scratch!
If you suspect you have poor gut health or hormonal imbalances, then seeking help is always recommended. Identifying your triggers may require a combination of experimenting with removing the above at home, and testing. A basic understanding of the status of your gut may require a comprehensive stool test, SIBO breath test, or food allergy / sensitivity/ parasite testing which is something I can help you with. In the meantime, familiarise yourself with these ingredients, get curious and read the ingredients panel and start opting for real food; make your sauces and salad dressings from scratch, and buy local, organic or pesticide free where you can !
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