Actual health improvements from improving gut health?

[Missmarple87]

Has anyone experienced any tangible benefits from improving their gut health?

I am generally relatively healthy - eat very little UPF, sleep well, pretty active (but need more structured exercise). I'm slim. But since having DC2 (9 months) I have suffered from a really sluggish digestion (very slow transit, hard poo, stomach pains, wind pain and heart burn). This has coincided with lots of skin complaints - eczema, itching, dryness - and the odd spot which I've never had before. My PMT is also off the charts. All of this is new to me and I'm wondering the digestive issues are at the root of it - my body is taking ages to get rid of stuff so it's causing issues.

Anyone have experience of this? And what would you recommend to quickly boost my gut health?!

How varied is your diet? The way to diversify your microbiome is:
-Eat as many different vegetables and fruits as you can per week. Around 30 different ones per week is your aim.
-Add a large variety of nuts, herbs and spices and have them regularly.
-Fermented foods are great for gut health. You could try fermenting some vegetables yourself - here is a kimchi recipe https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/quick-kimchi

If your diet is already varied, then unfortunately you might have higher populations of organisms that are causing the symptoms you've described. Could be that there was a shift caused by pregnancy or you might not be drinking enough (especially if breastfeeding). I would say be patient here as hopefully your microbiome will return to how it was if you continue with your healthy habits.

Otherwise if you have lots of money, you could try ZOE.

Thank you. My diet is decent but not varied enough (usual issue with online shopping and just getting the same stuff each week, plus young DC liking repetition). My diet is, however, the same as it was pre pregnancy and I didn't have these issues....so the pregnancy has definitely triggered a change somehow!

I think I would love ZOE but feel I am the type to get obsessed with it, which wouldn't be great...

With DH it can be quite dramatic. If he's feeling off or down I try to make sure he eats well for a few days and it usually turns him around quite quickly.

I do eat a bit of live yoghurt - is that something you already eat?

I eat greek yoghurt almost every morning for breakfast (full fat, real stuff).

This is what I'm wondering. Are some people just more sensitive to these things. I know gut health is important but I would love to know if it has actually made a difference on the 'outside' to anyone.

I put my Hashimoto’s into remission by fixing my gut.

I did a totally elimination diet for 6 weeks of literally steak, butter, salt and decaf coffee. When I started to reintroduce other meats I ballooned with some mainly chicken and bacon because of the shit they’re fed.

I’ve not reintroduced any grains or cereals because I just can’t digest them. My diet is mainly meat and my blood tests are all perfect!

I take a probiotic daily and have recently started drinking apple cider vinegar, both have helped keep me 'regular'.

Try incorporating lentils and figs into your diet.

Pregnancy definitely causes changes, I think! I had terrible IBS before pregnancy and it improved massively after pregnancy with no change in diet.

I've been trying to have the 30 different fruit/veg by having a 15 day menu on rotation. It's hard with kids though and we've only done it for 3 weeks so don't know if it will work long term.

Things like red, green and yellow peppers all count as different plant foods, so if you have meals with peppers use different ones. Then use different leaves for salads to have more variety. I thought it'd be impossible at first to get to 30 but when you start listing fruit and veg it's not actually that hard! And lunches are your best opportunity if kids are at nursery/school. I've been doing it for 3 weeks to improve returning IBS symptoms and my toilet issues have disappeared (too early to know if they will stay gone)

I'd love ZOE too but it might make me too anxious! Have you seen the recent netflix documentary about gut health? It really motivated me to add more variety. I've also been having kefir regularly.

I can tell you with confidence that if you take care of your gut health, you will improve your life at least several times! I'll say from my experience, it's incredibly pleasant to feel that your stomach is healthy and you don't have any pain below your chest!

Improving gut health can indeed have a significant impact on overall well-being. I think it’s quite insightful that you’ve noticed a connection between your digestive issues and other health concerns. It’s often said that the gut is like a second brain, and taking care of it can lead to improvements in various areas of health.

I suggest looking into incorporating more probiotic and prebiotic foods into your diet. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the gut microbiome, and prebiotics are fibers that feed those good bacteria. Foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and asparagus can be great additions. Also, staying hydrated and managing stress are key factors in maintaining a healthy gut.

For sluggish digestion, dietary changes can be quite effective. Increasing fiber intake with foods like prunes, figs, and cruciferous vegetables might help with the slow transit3. Additionally, cutting back on dairy and processed foods could alleviate some of the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Remember, while it’s great to seek advice and personal experiences, each person’s body is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you. Stay positive, and I hope you find relief soon!

Improving gut health can lead to real, noticeable health benefits, from better digestion to enhanced immune function and even improved joint health. Many people report reduced inflammation, higher energy levels, and better nutrient absorption. Arthogenix function improvement reviews often highlight how a balanced gut microbiome supports joint mobility and overall well-being. A healthier gut can also positively impact mood and cognitive function, showing how interconnected our systems truly are. Have you experienced any benefits from focusing on gut health?

It is pretty blindingly obvious really. If your gut health improves, you will digest your food better and obtain more nutrients from it, and that will improve your general health.