The Gut
In 2014 my gut was a mess yet I had no idea. When I finally decided to get tested for everything related to chronic fatigue, I started to learn more about what ailed me. After getting my package of test results back I was overwhelmed to find a whole slew of issues including two potentially pathogenic bacteria, low bacterial diversity, low beneficial bacteria, very low glutathione (which meant that I could not detox), numerous vitamin deficiencies, as well as food sensitivities to 28 different foods. My son tested sensitivity to 23 different foods.
In retrospect, I was grateful and relieved to know that my health problems could be addressed one by one and that I was not dealing with a life threatening illness. The process of healing took time but within three months I started to feel better.
Although some medical advice I received included a significant amount of supplements, I did not want to be dependent on them. For me, the answer was food. I wholeheartedly believe that I have been able to heal my gut and my son's through whole food, nutrient packed, balanced meals.
Foods That Support The Gut
When we start to think of food as medicine and use it wisely and properly, we will start to feel a positive difference and the body will begin to heal itself. I cut out all of the packaged junk and started eating home cooked meals made with organic and fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. I also chose fresh wild caught seafood. The main foods that I initially eliminated were gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and eggs. In my case, these foods may have been causing inflammation and havoc in my gut.
Everyone is different and so it's important to listen to your body's needs. I chose to avoid certain foods to give my body rest and help in the digestive process.
Gut health is essential to staying healthy because most disease starts in the gut. This is why it's important to incorporate foods that support the gut. Traditional foods like bone stocks, soups, and miso are really the best choices to heal the digestive system. They are fantastic because they coat and soothe the gut. Also, probiotic rich foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are top picks to consider when restoring gut health.
Happy Guts
Earlier I mentioned that I had 28 food sensitivities. I'm ecstatic to say that I can eat all of those foods now that used to be on my avoid list of foods. My son who had 23 food sensitivities is also able to eat the foods that he could not before. This includes gluten, dairy, eggs, and from time to time a little refined sugar. It's not a problem because we don't crave refined sugar but we don't have to avoid it like the plague any longer!
For anyone who is struggling with gut and digestive issues, my son and I are proof that the gut can be healed with the right foods. For more information on how you can have a happy gut, I may be reached at info@elainejavier.com or here. My 6 month program is available to those who are interested in supporting gut health and other health concerns as well as samples of my tea from my Health For The Holidays Tea Collection.
This is the last segment of my Health For The Holidays series. I hope that you found it beneficial and that you got some good nuggets to incorporate into your lifestyle. To your health and happiness!
“For me, the answer was food. I wholeheartedly believe that I have been able to heal my gut and my son’s through whole food, nutrient packed, balanced meals. ”