Gut Health

Did you know that gut health is one of the keys to overall health? If your gut is out balance, you set yourself up for a whole host of medical ills, including  depression, anxiety, and leaky gut which can lead to autoimmunity, allergies and asthma. Did you know that approximately 80% of serotonin is made under the lining of your gut? You need serotonin to keep depression at bay. Did you know that your gut lining is one cell layer thick and that underneath the gut lies 70% of the immune system? It has been said by some researchers that 90%of all diseases can be linked back to the gut and the heath of the microbiome. 

Each one of us has an individual microbiome. When the microbiome is not balanced, it can contribute to "leaky gut" syndrome, arthritis, dementia, cancer to name a few "dis-eases." One way to contribute to the health of your gut is to be mindful of your diet. What you put in your mouth directly affects your gut and your overall health. Fixing your gut means looking at your diet, microbiome, body weight and digestion, since evidence has shown a link connecting these elements. Poor gut integrity can contribute to leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune diseases like arthritis, heart disease, cancer etc. Our microbiome adapts to the types of foods you eat, your sleep patterns and the types of bacteria that you are exposed and together, these help form your microbiome.

Foods to Avoid:

• Refined Vegetable Oils (canola, corn, soybean)
• Refined carbohydrates
• Processed grain products- gluten products
• Pasteurized dairy products
• Conventional meat, poultry and eggs
• Packed snacks, breads, condiments, canned items, cereals
• Trans fats/Hydrogenated Fats- processed products, fried foods
• Sodas

Foods to Eat:

• Fresh Vegetables- cruciferous veggies, leafy greens, onions, peas, salad greens, beets, squash
• Fruit-blueberries, apples, blackberries, cherries, citrus, plums, pomegranates, strawberries
• Herbs/Teas/Spices- turmeric, ginger, basil oregano, thyme, green, tea organic coffee
• Probiotic Foods- yogurt, kombucha, kefir, cultured vegetables
• Wild Caught Fish, Cage-free Eggs/Grass Fed Meat
• Healthy Fats- Avacado, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, nuts/seeds, grass-fed butter
• Ancient Grains- chickpeas, lentils, buckwheat,quinoa
• Legumes- black beans, black-eyed peas
• Red Wine
• Dark Chocolate

Ways To Support Your Gut:

• Overuse of antibiotics clears out good bacteria that help support the immune system which can cause your body to be more susceptible to infections. In addition, it can set you up for issues with allergies, including food allergies.
• Use a "Gut Test"to find out your guts microbiome and learn through gut analysis probiotic is best for you.
• Reduce stress- Chronic stress causes the immune system producing cytokines which contribute to inflammation which can damage heathy cells.
• Exercise- lowers inflammation, strengthens the immune system and balances hormones.
• Supplementation- Probiotics, prebiotics, hydrogen water, co-enzyme Q10, carotenoids, selenium, omega-3 fish oil and antioxidants like Vitamin C,D,E which can help reduce free radical damage to the cells.

The best way to support your gut is by ingesting the right the the foods and beverages. If you drink water, why not consider adding hydrogen water? Hydrogen water helps create a hospitable environment for the "good" bacteria, and helps the bacteria migrate back to their correct location. At Freedom Health Shop we are proud to work with Synergy Science, a company that is committed to gut health. With their hydrogen water pitchers, counter units and travel units, it is an easy way to help your gut every day. Visit our "Affiliate" link on the blue bar on our home page and click on Synergy Science. At the bottom of the page is a link to access their link directly to purchase their products. Likewise, use the search bar to see our list of probiotic selections. Daily use of probiotics will help keep your gut in balance.

As always, if you are unsure of how to process, or where to start, feel free to send us your questions, and we will help consult on what is best for you.

Correct the gut, and help your body heal!