The gut has a neural network that acts like your “second brain.” This second brain and the primary brain are constantly communicating with each other. Simply said, when your gut is happy and healthy, you are too! For better gut health and holistic wellbeing, here are 5 top ways to heal your gut from within.

1. Eat whole foods
   There’s a reason why whole foods are so popular these days. Foods that aren’t processed or refined can influence emotions and cognition. They have richer nutrient profiles and have more antioxidants, fiber, and macro and micronutrients. And there are plenty to choose from - fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, meat, fish, seafood, nuts, seeds, whole grains - the list is long, you see! Better digestion leads to better hormonal regulation too.


2. Get a Gut test to determine your microbiome map
   Even comprehensive blood reports can fall short of explaining symptoms of disease or discomfort. A detailed report of your gut biome can reveal the reason for your distress AND show you the way to address your symptoms for a healthy life. Using scientifically proven health plans such as those offered by Digbi can treat the root cause of inflammation, help you achieve your ideal weight, find your peak mental focus, and allow good bacteria to thrive in your gut. Research has shown that your second brain (gut) exerts a powerful influence over the one in your head.
   
   For instance, hear from Laura, who reversed the foggy feeling in her head that washed over her and rendered her unable to think clearly for hours. By changing her diet, Laura's IBS pain reduced, as did her risk for prediabetes. Many like her, almost 64% of Digbi members reported clarity in energy levels and thinking after participating in their health programs


3. Include prebiotics and probiotics
   Our GI tract houses both beneficial and harmful bacteria. The “good” gut bacteria produce close to 95% of our body’s supply of serotonin (a hormone that impacts both our mood and GI function).
   
   The good old traditions of pickling vegetables weren’t just for a kick to the tastebuds! We now know that they are powerhouses of good bacteria that help strengthen the gut lining, and re-balance the gut flora.
   
   Probiotic food sources include yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, and pickled veggies. Prebiotics, which are different from probiotics, are actually food for our good bacteria. Whole foods can help replenish the good bacteria in our body, we also need to nourish them via prebiotics such as garlic, onions, leeks, tomatoes, carrots, apples, and asparagus.


4. Lower stress & get good sleep
   Stress triggers disruption to the microbiome and causes distress to healthy gut microflora. It impacts your brain and behavior and leads to excess cortisol in the body.
   
   A leaky gut syndrome occurs when the lining of the gut has cracks; these cracks lead toxins, undigested food, and other pathogens to escape into the bloodstream. What follows next? Inflammation and changes to your gut flora. Until the gut lining gets repaired - people have fuzzy thoughts and have trouble focussing.
   
   How well are you sleeping? A foggy and tired brain speaks volumes about your sleeping pattern. It may be time for you to optimize both the quantity and quality of your sleep to focus better.
   How? Keep your gut thriving with healthy bacteria and sleep like a baby. Research has shown that microbes contribute significantly to sound sleep.


5. Get those steps in! Exercise and see the difference! Exercise benefits mood and sleep; it also reduces stress and anxiety, all the factors that significantly contribute to empowering your gut flora to strengthen your immune system and carry out digestion with ease.

Have questions? You can always reach us at ask@digbihealth.com.