Gut Health – Maintaining Gut Health

February 21, 2009 by  
Filed under Gut Health

It is tantamount for the gut to have a proper balance of good and bad bacteria for good gut health. The good bacteria are known as probiotics. Yoghurt is rich in this. Cheese, kefir, fermented vegetables are a few other examples. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods which enhance the growth of certain bacteria. They are present in dairy products, confectioneries, meats, onions, bananas, chicory, leeks, etc. Any deficiency in the body of these can be made up with gut health supplements.

A few gut health supplements are probiotics to enhance the flora of the gut, supplement of digestive enzymes, omega 3 fatty acids obtained from fish and flax seed, butyrate supplements to line the fag end of the colon, zinc supplements, in case the subject has lost zinc in a recent episode of diarrhea. Betaine hydrochloride and enzyme supplements to digest proteins (ulceration cases need to avoid). Kniepp wet packs, Cayce Palma Christi packs help contain gut gas formation. Ginger helps in facing nausea and flatulence. Anti-microbial herbs to chuck out infection causing parasites, over growth of bacteria, for examples, oregano oil, grape seed, olive leaf, caprylic acid, goldenseal.

Gut Health by RPN is a probiotic with rave gut health reviews by users, as a staple food supplement. It is known to reinforce the gut lining, destroy pathogens, reduce gut gas formation, improve digestion, reduce indigestion, reduce bloating and boost immune system.

A four step gut healing program, each to be followed by the other after 1-2 months:
1. Removal of inflammation in the gut by removing conventional unnatural foods from your diet.
2. Addition of digestive, pancreatic, liver enzymes through organic supplements.
3. Reinforcement of the gut with prebiotics which will also fight pathogens.
4. Repair of the gut with cod liver oil, aloe, licorice and vitamins.

A few home remedies to set right gut health which could be considered are:
1. Taking fresh flax seed – ground or pressed.
2. Reducing intake of refined carbohydrates and citrus juices.
3. Every meal could have a little whey in yoghurt, kefir or sour milk. Yoghurt made of goat’s milk helps gut healing and maintain gut health.
4. Consuming Vitamin K rich stuff like alfalfa, yolk of eggs, etc.
5. Taking sprouts having proteins in easily digestible form.
6. Consuming cod liver oil regularly.
7. Papaya juice and raw cabbage juice are good for gut health.
8. Herbs like comfrey, aloe vera, cinnamon, caraway, peppermint, chamomile are helpful. Aloe curbs the immune system from releasing poisons into the gut and helps gut healing.
9. Chronic diarrhoea could be contained with dried blueberry with cinnamon.
10. A millet cereal along with banana does much good.

A few simple tips which you may follow to have a squeaky clean and smooth functioning gut are chewing your food well, taking small portions of meals at frequent intervals, eating slowly and following a diet rich in whole grains, fibers, fresh fruits, raw vegetables, eggs and lean meat.

A gut health diet is no different from a balanced healthy diet. But yes it is different from the balanced healthy diets prescribed for reducing weight. Food allergens like dairy products and wheat could be avoided. Cold water and cold eatables could be avoided. Enough water intakes should be ensured. Physical and mental exercises like yoga helps a lot. A good sleep at the end of the day is a must.