Gut Facts of the Month!
What does food sensitivity look like?
Food sensitivity can show up as a variety of different things. You may not even realize you have a sensitivity.
Some common signs or symptoms include nausea, fatigue, brain fog, stomach pain, bloating, cramps, gas, heartburn, diarrhea, headaches, irritability, anxiety, and more.
These signs/symptoms are a good place to start. It can also help to keep a food log so you’re able to recognize patterns with certain foods, or common contributing factors.
Ever eat something and feel bad after?
This is incredibly common, especially right now. We eat more processed and modified foods now more than ever.
We tend to get less nutrients from our food, and an increase of artificial sugars. Our body needs vitamins and minerals that are in non-processed foods to function at an optimal level. Sometimes we may have a food sensitivity we were unaware of until we start paying attention to what we eat.
Did you know there’s different types of gut testing?
The most common type of gut testing is through a stool sample aka poop sample. There are varying depths to the test, some are more general to food sensitivities etc., while others are more diagnostic.
General stool tests range around $200, while the diagnostic testing can range around $400-$500 per test.
Another way to test the gut, is by a blood test. This allows you to see what your body is actually absorbing, and then you are able to approach your gut healing that way.
The gut testing I provide is by Ixcela, and it’s a pin prick test you’re able to perform in the comfort of your own home. The results will provide an exercise plan, a diet plan, and some supplement recommendations. Plus there’s a discount code. Check it out in the services button!
Did you know our small intestine produces about 70% of our serotonin?
Yes, you read that right. About 70% of our serotonin, which is also called our ‘happy chemical’, is made in the gut. When serotonin is decreased it can cause depression, anxiety, and more.
Serotonin is also an important piece in regards to maintaining the microbiome, and having healthy gut function.
So many are taking antidepressants, and medications for these things. Let’s start with gut health.
Did you know there are two nervous systems in the body?
There is the central nervous system (CNS) that comprises the brain and the spinal cord, this is the most common one. The second one is the enteric nervous system, and this is actually in the gut. Pretty cool right?
So what does the enteric nervous system do? It helps regulate water and electrolyte movement within the gut tissue. AND the enteric nervous system in our gut communicates directly to the brain with hormones, and other chemical signals.
Did you know your gut and immune system are connected?
The gut of your health is a direct correlation with your immune system. The microbiome in your gut can determine the health of your immune system. It can also affect autoimmune concerns within and outside of the gut.
Antibiotic use can also affect the microbiome in a negative way, and there are definitely situations where it is necessary. Antibiotics may increase autoimmune conditions. Gut recovery from a course of antibiotics can take up to a year.
Ever been stressed and experienced some stomach discomfort?
Sometimes when we experience psychological stress, it can have a direct effect on our gastrointestinal system. The psychological or ‘brain’ stress can create stress in the GI system.
When this happens, it takes a toll on digestion and nutrient absorption, constipation may be experienced, or the opposite.
To help prevent this, it’s important to take time to stay present while cooking food, taking a few deep breaths before eating, and eating at a slow pace.