Instinct and good digestion
For most of my life, I have had digestive issues. They started at a very young age and were triggered by childhood trauma. So, it’s no wonder I became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and teach for a digestive care brand.
The GI tract is the only internal organ to have evolved with its own nervous system and it can function independently from the brain and without it. When you have “gut feelings,” a “gut reaction,” or butterflies in your stomach, chances are you are receiving signals from your gut brain.1
The gut microbiome is key to good health. The microbiome is the collection of microbes including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that naturally live on and inside the body.2 The bacteria in the gut microbiome affect the body from birth to death. These bacteria…
- produce certain vitamins that we don’t have the genes to make.
- break down our food to extract the nutrients we need to survive.
- synthesize key compounds, including B vitamins and short-chain fatty acids.
- train our immune system to distinguish dangerous invaders from harmless compounds.
- produce helpful anti-inflammatory compounds that fight off other pathogenic microbes.
- help improve motility.
- signal components of the gut-brain axis.3,4,5
Supporting the microbiome involves a healthy diet, exercise, quality sleep, and potentially probiotic supplementation.
Let’s start with diet. Certain foods have been shown to support healthy gut bacteria.
- Omega-3 fats may increase good bacteria in the gut.
- Fermented foods, including yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain healthy microbes.
- High-fibre foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables all contain prebiotic fibre which is beneficial for gut bacteria.
- Polyphenol-rich foods, including cocoa, green tea, and olive oil all contain polyphenols that increase healthy gut bacteria.
Exercise
Most of the bacteria within the gut support bodily functions and the body supports the health and growth of these microorganisms. They produce vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids that are used for immune function, digestion, mood regulation, and more. Regular exercise fast tracks the process, increasing the different types of microbial species in the gut and facilitating the proliferation of bacteria.6,7
Sleep
The gut microbiome produces and releases many sleep influencing neurotransmitters including melatonin, dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which are also produced by the brain. Similar to sleep and many other aspects of the body, it appears the microbiome is regulated by circadian rhythms. Emerging research is demonstrating that when circadian rhythms are disturbed, so is the health and function of the microbiome.8
Consider a Probiotic Supplement
Trust your gut with Renew Life® EXTRA CARE 50 Billion Probiotic. Probiotics are good bacteria that mostly live in your digestive tract and support digestive system health. Renew Life Extra Care Probiotic™ formula contains 50 billion live cultures from 12 probiotic strains in a targeted-release vegetarian capsule. It supports digestive health and helps reduce the frequency of constipation, flatulence, and irregularity. The product is shelf-stable and guaranteed for quality, purity, and potency through expiration. It is backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it with confidence.