In recent years more and more studies are making the link between gut health and overall health. A healthy gut microbiome helps support healthy hormones, immune function, improve mood, aid in digestion, promote a healthy weight and so much more.
So you might be asking what exactly is our gut microbiome?
Well simply put it is the bacteria that exists within our gastrointestinal tracts that help support our overall health. Ensuring that we maintain enough good bacteria is important and has a significant impact on your hormone health as well. In fact, many hormone imbalances begin in the gut.
Gut Health & Hormones:
Your gut contains a group of bacteria known as the estrobolome, which is responsible for metabolizing and eliminating estrogen from the body
Your gut absorbs nutrients and aids in the synthesis and regulation of hormones. For example, the absorption of vitamin D3, a well-known precursor hormone, is also greatly impacted by the health of the microbiome
Your gut health has a direct impact on your body's ability to eliminate and remove toxins and chemicals that can otherwise lead to hormone imabalcnes.
Your gut plays a role in blood sugar balance (which is essential for balanced hormones - if you struggle with this check out the 10-Day Sugar Detox which guides you step-by-step on how to balance your blood sugar)
Your gut also helps with thyroid conversion. Specifically the conversion of T4 (inactive form ) to T3 (active form) of thyroid hormone.
Here are some simple things to incorporate into your daily life to support and improve your gut health:
Include Fermented Foods:
Including fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and miso to help boost the number of good bacteria we have which will, in turn, support our gut health.
Eat Enough Fibre:
Ensure you are getting enough fiber each day to feed your good bacteria. Load up on fruits and veggies and lots of leafy greens. Include lots of prebiotic foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and apples in your diet.
Movement Everyday:
Not only does daily exercise help to improve overall well-being and energy, but it also supports a healthy gut by reducing inflammation and helps to move food through our system.
Eat a Variety of Foods:
Different microbes do different jobs so eating a diet that includes a wide variety of foods, will help to make sure that we maintain a diverse gut microbiome.
Deep Breaths & Reduce Stress:
Stress can have an impact on our gut in many ways including altering the ratio of good vs bad bacteria and increasing inflammation. So find ways each day to reduce stress. Try meditation, deep breathing, and participate in an activity that you enjoy.
Gut health and hormone health go hand in hand so if you are experiencing some of these common signs of an unhealthy gut - constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gas, fatigue and heartburn, it might be time to get some extra support. You can grab the 7-day gut healthy meal guide or book in a free call with me so we can get clear on if your gut health or hormones are getting in the way of feeling your best.
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