How to Manage Your Gut Health

​|According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, an astounding 20 million Canadians suffer from digestive disorders each year. In America, upwards of 70 million people are affected by digestive diseases each year. These are staggering figures, especially when looking at the impacts that poor digestive health can have on a persons health and life in general.

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In addition, these statistics do not account for the individuals who suffer from digestion issues on a daily basis but may not seek medical advice. Given the fact that digestion is such a key component to our health and well-being, I am very grateful to Kristen Verschoor-Owns, the guest author for this article, who will be sharing some very crucial tips on how to manage your gut health.

Please note: This article does not contain medical or therapeutic advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency.

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Kristen Verschoor-Owens

Kristen Owens is a mom of 3, holistic lifestyle mentor, essential oil educator, pilates/yoga teacher, holistic nutritionist and the Producer and Host of Create your Best Life on Rogers TV.  Kristen believes in taking a holistic approach to health uniting spirit, soul, body.  

Grab Kristen’s FREE Gut Guide for simple ways to heal your gut >> Click Here!

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How to Manage Your Gut Health

​​There’s much talk nowadays about the importance of keeping your gut healthy.  Everywhere you go you can find books, workshops, recipes and products all around focusing on gut health.  Dr. Bernard Jensen said that “all disease and all health begin in your gut”.  This was many years ago when he was thought to be crazy.  Not surprisingly, today we hear about this topic everywhere.  Even the medical community has now started to recommend the use of probiotics.

I remember going back 20 years, the issues that led me to a holistic nutritionist was all related to the state that my gut was in at the time.  I experienced bloating, cystic acne and lacking energy.  These symptoms are what many experience themselves and are considered “normal” but  I knew that these symptoms, although not life threatening, had to change because it was affecting my confidence, motivation and drive in life.

Once my digestion was addressed, it was amazing how quickly these symptoms began to change.  20 years later, I have more energy than in my 20’s, clear skin and its rare that I feel bloated, unless I have neglected to keep my lifestyle clean.  After all, its a lifestyle.

The state of your gut is related to skin issues, autoimmune conditions, mental health, hormone health, immune health, how well you sleep, and the list goes on.  You name the symptom or condition, the health of your gut is the foundation.  All health, all disease begin in your gut.

​You might ask, what can I do to improve my gut health so I can be at my healthiest?  I’m going to tell you!

1. Always Use a Probiotic

Always use a probiotic. These friendly bacteria populate your gut to keep the unfriendly bacteria at bay.  When the unfriendly bacteria are overpopulated our immune system is compromised.  Eating probiotic rich foods along with a probiotic will assist in a healthier gut.  Fermented foods are a great source of probiotic.  You can find these foods in the refrigerated section of your health grocer.

2. Avoid the Use of Antibiotics

​Antibiotics destroy the lining of your gut over time.  They also weaken the immune system which doesn’t give it a chance to work on its own.  Work with a health care provider to use natural tools to strengthen the immune system before the need for an antibiotic.  I use essential oils on a daily basis that help support the immune system and kill the “unfriendlies” I don’t want around.

3. Manage Emotions

Negativity creates an unhealthy state within the body.  When you’re in a constant state of unhealthy emotions this creates a negative affect on your immune system.  70-80% of immunity is within the gut.  If your emotions are in a negative state this will impact your immune system making it weaker.

4. Eliminate Food Sensitivies

​Just because a food is healthy doesn’t mean its healthy for you.  When you are sensitive to certain food it lends in creating inflammation in your gut. That inflammation creates many other problems down the road.  You can take a food sensitivity test through a natural health care provider or to start you can simply begin to listen to your body and what its telling you through symptoms. Things such as bloating, flatulence, skin irritations, respiratory responses are just a few.

When we take the “lifestyle” approach to our health we will begin to see changes over time.  As our cells die and regenerate we are giving them an opportunity to regenerate into healthy vibrant cells.  Take one step at a time and remember that “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and neither is your health.   

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More Gut-Friendly Articles

• Listening to Your Gut Health
• ​Healthy Meal Planning & How to Get Started
• 7 Ways your Physical Health is Connected to Your Mental Health

References: cdhf.ca, nccih.nih.gov, niddk.nih.gov

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