Simple strategies to keep you slim with a happy, healthy gut
Think of your microbiome as another organ, one that plays a role in nearly every process in your body – from immunity to inflammation, detoxification, hormone regulation, absorption and synthesis of nutrients, metabolism and so much more. Over two thousand years ago, Hippocrates, long regarded as the “father of medicine,” stated that “all disease begins in the gut”– and now an explosion of science proves he was right.
If you have a healthy, balanced microbiome, around 85% of your bacteria will be the beneficial variety and only 15% pathogenic. If too many of the wrong microbes take over and this ratio goes upside down (dysbiosis), your immunity, cellular communication and metabolism can tumble like dominos.
The makeup of your microbiome is continuously changing in response to shifts in diet, lifestyle, stress, and exposure to toxic agents. Unfortunately, the modern-day American diet and lifestyle (think sugar, chemicals, processed foods) inflict a lot of damage on our native flora. Gluten is particularly problematic, and poor sleep habits, lack of exercise and chronic stress further contribute to a messy microbiome.
But, there’s good news. The microbiome’s plasticity means you can restore it with a few basic strategies, and the resultant health benefits will quickly trickle upstream. Check out these articles to learn how to repair your gut health and keep your microbiome happy and healthy:
For a gut-friendly, fat-melting Summer treat, look no further than Fat Flush Ice Cream!
Not only does this decadent treat taste divine, it’s made with ingredients that fire up your metabolism and prime your body for weight loss. And, it’s loaded with probiotics to keep your gut health in top-top shape. Get the recipe and more of my favorite summer treats here: https://annlouise.com/articles/healthy-treats-to-beat-the-heat-hint-theres-ice-cream-involved/
Probiotics: Why Less is Sometimes More
In this informative video, learn why more doesn’t always mean better, especially in the case of probiotics:
Super Gut – Episode 115
In this fascinating interview, NY Times Bestselling Author, Dr. William Davis and I discuss the groundbreaking premise behind his new book, Super Gut – that to resolve our gut and overall health problems we need to reintroduce our bodies to the essential microbial species lost from the modern microbiome, while eliminating the microbial “imposters” that have taken their place.
My Go-To Probiotic for Over 20 Years
Probiotics have been an integral part of my dietary protocols in every book I’ve written from Fast Track to Fat Flush, and most recently, Radical Metabolism. My go-to is always Flora-Key, a powdered probiotic supplement that I have used with thousands of clients for almost 20 years.
This fantastic 5-strain formula provides 10 billion CFUs per serving, and contains what I feel to be the most valuable probiotic strains (for the majority of individuals) including Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri. All of this powerful beneficial bacteria is supported and fed by a prebiotic, inulin. Best of all, Flora-Key can be used in cold drinks or smoothies and goes great as a substitute for sugar in no-heat recipes. It’s perfect mixed into a child’s breakfast cereal—and safe for infants. You can even give a dose to your family pet!
Radical Metabolism
To create a radical metabolism – a fat-fueled metabolism that keeps you lean, healthy, and energized – this plan incorporates five radical rules including Radical Rule #4: Repair Your Gut. This book devotes an entire chapter to helping you achieve a healthy, balanced microbiome for optimum health and wellness – far beyond just weight loss!
The post The Skinny on Summer Gut Health first appeared on Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS.