Microbiome science has exploded in the past decade. Scientists have discovered that these tiny microorganisms colonize our entire bodies, inside and out. Many people are looking for natural remedies for gut health.
Treatments that target the gut microbiome are of particular interest because feeding the gut microbiome can do wonders for our overall health.
Read on to learn about the microbiome and the signs of an unhealthy gut. Plus, learn about natural remedies for gut health that support a healthy gut microbiome.
What is the Gut Microbiome?
Our entire body is colonized by microorganisms, from our skin to our nostrils to our mouth. However, most of these microbes reside in our colon. Microbiome scientists have found that there are trillions of microbes in the colon. These microbes comprise over a thousand different species, and there are more microbes in our bodies than human cells!
The microbial community in our gut is made up not only of bacteria but of fungi, parasites, and even some types of viruses. Studies show that the more diverse your microbiome is, the healthier you are. Each person’s unique microbiome is initially determined by their DNA.
Pathogenic vs. Symbiotic Microbes
You might have heard of “good” and “bad” gut microbes. Another way of classifying these microbes is as pathogenic or symbiotic.
Pathogenic microbes (the “bad” gut bugs) can wreak havoc on your health if allowed to grow unchecked. Luckily, this is where the symbiotic microbes come in. Symbiotic microbes (the “good” gut bugs) can help prevent the pathogenic microbes from growing out of control.
The symbiotic microbes are constantly working to promote smooth daily operations of our body. Together, they function as an extra organ in our body and play a significant role in our health.
Functions of the Gut Microbiome
- Helping with detoxification
- Reducing inflammation
- Rebalancing and improving immunity
- Improving metabolism
- Preventing allergies
- Digesting foods
- Absorbing nutrients
If you want your microbes to help you with all these functions, taking care of them is essential. That’s why so many natural remedies for gut health focus on nourishing the gut microbiome.
Symptoms of an Imbalanced Gut
Suppose you’re looking for natural remedies for gut health. In that case, you’ve likely experienced some health symptoms that could indicate poor gut health. When you have an imbalance in your gut, you can experience digestive and non-digestive symptoms.
Some of the digestive symptoms of poor gut health include:
- Bloating
- Pain
- Constipation
- Gas
- Acid reflux/heartburn
Some of the non-digestive symptoms of poor gut health include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Low energy
- Brain fog
- Sleep issues
- Skin conditions (e.g., rashes, eczema, rosacea, acne, etc.)
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s a sign that you need to take care of your gut health.
Natural Remedies for Gut Health: Feeding the Gut Microbiome
Your gut microbes are happiest when they’re fed plant-based foods. Here are some simple nutrition tips that act as natural remedies for gut health by feeding the gut microbiome. Interested in learning more about gut health? Check out my podcast “Your Gut Health Puzzle Made Simple” to learn more about various aspects of gut health.
Try to make your diet 75% plant foods
One of the best ways to keep your gut microbes happy is to feed them a primarily plant-based diet. You don’t need to become a vegetarian, but it does involve including at least one plant-based food with every meal.
Eat whole grains
Whole grains are packed with fiber, which your gut microbes love to eat. Try to include a wide variety of whole grains, such as brown rice, wild rice, millet, and amaranth.
Eat fermented foods
Fermented foods contain microorganisms that can help support a healthy balance of microbes in your gut. Try to include fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, yogurt, and kefir.
Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “eat the rainbow,” that’s what it means to try including as many different colored fruits and vegetables in your daily diet as possible. Variety is essential because our gut microbes thrive on different foods and nutrients. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables ensures that you’re feeding your diverse gut microbiome.
Limit your intake of artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like Splenda and aspartame can lead to the growth of pathogenic or unhealthy microbes in your gut. Stick to natural sweeteners if you want to increase the sweetness of your food.
Final Thoughts
Remember, taking care of your gut microbes is essential if you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of poor gut health. Many of the natural remedies for gut health are diet-related and can be simple to implement.
If you’re struggling with poor gut health and are looking to take your gut health to the next level by taking appropriate actions, click here to download my free guide called “Fix your Gut”.
This guide provides you the exact framework that you need to feel NORMAL in your body again.
