Our gut plays a massive part in regulating so many hormones which affect our homeostasis – the regulation of the body’s functions such as temperature, blood pressure, pH levels, glucose concentration, and electrolyte balance. An imbalance in the gut can therefore affect us mentally and physically. If we want to talk about how we look and feel: a happy gut can support weight management, clearer, glowing skin and a boosted immune system with bundles more energy and stamina! Let’s look at some causes and effects of an imbalance in the gut, and how we can work towards a healthy gut ‘flora’!

First off, some fun facts about the gut:

• The gut is made up of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, and rectum.
• 90% of our calories are absorbed here and it’s home to the largest density of immune cells in the body
• Research is showing links between the gut and the immune system, the autoimmune system, the brain and also the skin.
• It’s said that the gut and skin actually communicate with one another through the gut-skin axis.
• The entire gut is home to over 100 trillion bacteria. That’s 10 times more bacteria than cells in the entire body!
• There are over 400 different bacterial species in our gut
• We have Funghi, yeasts and even parasites have just been discovered – some healthy!
• A huge proportion of our happy hormones are made in the gut – but not many people think to look at how in balance their gut bacteria is if they are feeling sad or depressed?! Everyone’s gut is unique and a tweak of the DNA can give the gut a different function.

The gut balance can be significantly affected after illness, stress, drinking alcohol, or a course of antibiotics or medicines. Both adults and children can be affected.

A miserable gut full of bad bacteria can affect sleep, quality of the skin (possibly causing eczema or acne), mood, weight, stress levels and cause bloating or stomach issues. It can cause or aggravate auto-immune conditions, joint pain or yeast infections.

You can support the balance of the bacteria in the gut through fermented foods like kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut; by adding apple cider vinegar or miso to your foods; and by ensuring you are eating enough vegetables and fibre. 

In today’s world, with the rise of pesticides used on our food, ultra processed foods in our diet, toxins in the air and stressors on body and mind it is increasingly important for us to also add in additional gut support in the form of supplements – probiotics (good bacteria), prebiotics (food for the good bacteria so they keep thriving) and digestive enzymes (which help you break down your food to digest properly). Some are also suitable for children*

I support clients with a coached gut cleanse through a 30 day diet plan – whether it be to lose weight, feel great or to aim to clear up the skin to prepare for an event, a wedding, a holiday – or just to get some healthy eating habits in place for long term health support! At the end of the 30 days you’re highly likely to feel incredible – with the boost of confidence that comes with the GLOW!

With daily meal plans, removing foods which are considered to be inflammatory from the diet, and motivation to keep you on track, fitness options and the option of supporting supplements. *I highly recommend the nutrition range from Arbonne, which includes pre-and pro biotics (suitable for age 4+) and supplements which support the body with many different health goals. I’ve researched many supplements on the market and loved the Arbonne range for its vegan, good quality ingredients from a B Corporate, clean, planet conscious company. The 30 day cleanse gets some great results for anyone who tries it and STICKS TO IT! Contact me for more info.

Always check with your doctor if you have any underlying or pre-exisiting health conditions before participating in a controlled diet.