Gut Check: Your Essential First Move for Digestive Wellness

When you don’t know what’s going on inside, you’re bloated one day, have stomach cramps the next day, etc…
First thing you should think about is not the next best probiotics, a food sensitivity test and not even the latest parasite cleanse.If you’re struggling with symptoms and not sure what’s going here is a good place to start:

1- Remove ultra processed and diet food (sugar free/ fat free):
Eliminating ultra-processed and diet foods from your diet can be a positive step towards improving gut health. Ultra-processed foods often contain additives, preservatives (that also applies to many protein shakes and bars), and unhealthy fats that can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation. Similarly, diet foods may contain artificial sweeteners and other additives that can negatively affect gut health and metabolism.

Instead, focus on whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, clean proteins, nuts, and seeds. These foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support a healthy gut microbiome and overall well-being. 

2- Center your meals around clean protein and reduce snacking:
By centering your meals around protein and reducing snacking, you can support better digestion, regulate appetite, and promote a healthier gut microbiome. Centering your meals around protein and reducing snacking can be beneficial for improving gut. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, but it also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can reduce the likelihood of overeating or reaching for unhealthy snacks later in the day. Additionally, focusing on protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote better energy levels throughout the day. Constant snacking can disrupt the natural rhythm of digestion and may lead to overconsumption of calories, particularly if snacks are high in sugar or unhealthy fats. Remember to listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues, and make choices that nourish your body and support your overall health goals.

3- Try to make meal time as relaxing as possible:
When you eat in a relaxed state, your body can focus on digestion more effectively, optimizing  your body's ability to absorb essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from your food.

Stress activates the body's "fight or flight" response, which can divert resources away from digestion. Eating in a calm environment allows your body to properly break down and absorb nutrients from your food. Eating when stressed or rushed can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. By taking the time to relax and enjoy your meals, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing these unpleasant symptoms.

4- Stop taking way too many supplements:
More is often not better!
Taking the wrong kind of supplements, especially when you’re not sure what’s going on, can make your symptoms even worse. Over-supplementation of certain nutrients can disrupt the balance of other nutrients in the body. For example, excessive intake of one mineral may interfere with the absorption or utilization of another. Instead of relying heavily on supplements, focus on obtaining nutrients from a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats.

Oftentimes, when you focus on these 4 steps at least for 2 months most symptoms will go away and you will feel much better and the digestive system will regulate itself.

If you’d like more support nourishing your body and building a strong and healthy foundation, email me directly: info@nousahsalimi.com
Much love,
Nousha