We all know many dietary options may address several health concerns, including specific lifestyle options from vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, paleo, keto, macro diets, diabetic nutrition, and more. And of course, the many tools that go with making lifestyle changes from meditation (with many styles), Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, weight lifting, aerobics, etc. But do you have an understanding of gut health and microbiome?
In keeping up with the way we are evolving in our understanding of health and wellness, it is recognized more than ever before that diet, nutrition, and exercise must be a personalized approach versus the former static or "one size fits all" method.
Firstly, because, as it is learned through 100,000 tests, studies, and research, every person's needs will be dictated by how the body digests certain nutrients, eating patterns, lifestyle needs, and habits, how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system translates messages in the "fight and flight" and "rest and digest" modes. I am stating this in generalized terms.
That is one of the questions I've been asked (and used to ask myself), "Why don't I have just one specific guideline when working with people regarding their health and wellness needs, concerns, or changes?" Because each of us is unique in our make-up, therefore, needs to be addressed accordingly.
To take this a step further, individually and collectively, we are learning to embody being fully human. Meaning, deliberately expressing as conscious, nonphysical energy that has co-created a body that resides within the aware spaciousness that we are, and learning to integrate all of these wonderful aspects of our being-ness. Doing so consciously, mindfully, and deliberately is my intention for myself while supporting you to do the same.
That brings me back to addressing gut health - better said gut microbiome. Understand that the insights or recommendations shared below are generalized. Each of us needs to be deliberate in learning and understanding the needs of our bodies, which can be done through being still and present with the body and fully being in the body. You can also utilize kinesiology. This helps bypass the ego-mind interpretations and stories and allows the body, and Source Energy within, to guide and direct what is needed in the moment.
Foods that may repair the gut microbiome:
Artichokes, leeks, onions, garlic, asparagus, bananas, legumes, honey, oats, and lentils are some foods considered prebiotics, needed to stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Generally speaking, they provide the food that the probiotics need to thrive.
Further recommendation:
"Your gut bacteria are influenced by what you eat. It is important to give them the right fuel to have a balanced gut microbiome. The best way to maintain a healthy microbiome is to eat a range of fresh, whole foods, mainly from plant sources like fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts, and whole grains." - Edited quote from Better Health Channel
And I would add all-natural, free-range, grass-fed (as applicable), no added hormones or antibiotics, non-GMO, free of pesticides, chemicals, MSG, and artificial sweeteners, dyes, or preservatives like sugar, nitrates, and nitrites.
Research:
"Probiotic foods contain beneficial live microbiota that may further alter one's microbiome. These include fermented foods like kefir, yogurt with live active cultures, pickled vegetables, tempeh, kombucha tea, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut." - Quoted from Harvard School of Public Health
Our Recommendation:
Gut health begins in the mouth of humans. Mindfully chewing aids the rest of the digestive system's ability to process the food that we consume. Muscle testing (kinesiology) food, drink, and activity selections will help guide you through the technical aspects of what your body needs.
Does this sound like a lot of information to sort out? You don't have to do it alone. I don't proclaim to have all the answers, but I am willing to help you discover answers that your body may already be aware of that you can tap into. Click the link below to learn more and contact me to talk more.
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Article by Josephine Sheppard. A reprint from the April 2024 - Health & Wellness Journal.
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