Is the Gut Health “Trend” Worth the Hype?
Gut health has been quite the buzz term over the past few years. With countless information online and social media, is it truly worth the hype?
Yes, gut health is worth the hype. Why has gut health become such a trend in the past few years? I think the answer is that so many of us have faced health issues or simple don’t feel our best, and a lot of how we are feeling stems from the gut.
But I think there is a lot of negativity to gut health as well – restricting foods, taking things to an extreme, eating too much fiber to result in other unpleasant stomach symptoms. So it is important to find a balance.
I myself have struggled with gut issues my whole life, and a few years ago found myself being miserably ill for months on end. Which eventually resulted in me having to have my gallbladder removed due to its slow function. I have never felt better than I do now since that surgery, as it is something I could’ve had for a very long time. I find myself enjoying foods more and being able to eat much more than I used to.
Because of this, I have also taken it upon myself to invest in my gut health.
The Importance of Probiotics
Probiotics are essential to providing good gut bacteria! Taking a supplement isn’t the only way to get them, and you may not even need a supplement. Eating fermented foods in our diet such as kraut or yogurt can help to make our guts happy. My favorite kraut is from Hawthorne Foods, which happens to be a local brand in Hudson, NY. I especially enjoy putting it on my eggs in the morning in place of ketchup.
We All Know This One: Fruits and Veggies
The saying an “apple a day keeps the doctor away” has some truth to it. Apples contain pectin, which helps with overall gut health (something I learned in an internship with a registered dietitian). And everyone knows that fruits and veggies are important. Try to incorporate them into every meal or as much as you can, and if you don’t have a perfect fruit and veggie filled day remember it is okay. We can’t be perfect all the time.
Treat Yourself!
You cannot be restrictive and worry about how everything you eat will make you feel. I incorporate a treat everyday, with my current fixation being hot cocoa (made with oat milk, cocoa powder, and real maple syrup). During the week I try to stick to small treats or ones that have less sugar. But the weekends I do enjoy more sugar and eating out.
Quitting Coffee
One of the best (and hardest!) things I have done for my gut health is quit coffee. No more regular, decaf, espresso, or lattes. I found time and time again the acidity of coffee was causing upset stomach and overall gut inflammation. Not to mention the caffeine was not helpful for stress levels. I stopped drinking coffee about two years ago and haven’t looked back. Instead, I have found it is best to opt for matcha or chai lattes to get a little caffeine boost.
Water!
Last but not least water. We all know water is good for us and overall health (including gut health), so make sure to drink water!