All Disease Begins in the Gut

Little known facts

Okay, okay, I know nobody wants a biology lesson but bear with me for like 10 minutes. I’ll keep it short and sweet. 

The gut is so stinking cool. It’s probably my favorite organ. I feel like it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. 

Here are a few interesting facts to help you appreciate this underdog:

• If you unraveled it, your gut lining is the size of a tennis court 
• Two thirds of your immune system resides in your gut 
• 90% of your serotonin is made in your gut 
• Your gut is home to 30-100 trillion bacteria known collectively as your gut microbiome 
• When the bugs aren’t happy, nobody is happy 😂

Hippocrates once said, “All disease begins in the gut.” How have we forgotten this? Nearly all modern illnesses have some root cause in the gut. My approach is always to begin with the gut in mind. Sometimes, we need to get other affairs in order first to create lasting change, but we nearly always begin with the gut. 

So, what’s a modern person to do? Mind the gut!! 

My suggestion: tend your gut just like you’d tend a favorite houseplant or prized garden. Hmm, although come to think of it, about ¼ of my houseplants end up dead and at least ½ of my garden plants. 🤦‍♀️ I’m getting better though! My corn plant is gigantic and thriving. You’ve got to start somewhere, right?

Practical tips to “tend to your gut”:

• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
• It’s really that simple. If you eat it, “they” will come. The bacteria in the gut need food too! And eating a variety of fiber-rich foods encourages diversity, which is great for the gut microbiome and your body. 
• Add fermented foods 
• Local sauerkraut and kombucha are staples in my diet and my kids drink raw milk daily. Most fermented foods have a pleasant tangy flavor. 
• Consider probiotic supplements 
• If you dislike fermented foods or the idea of lots of vegetables makes you feel like 🤢, then consider adding a probiotic supplement to your regimen. I am always food-forward but don’t let perfection keep you from taking any action. 
• Enjoy bone broth and/or collagen
• We used to eat nose to tail and enjoy all of the wonderful benefits like glossy hair and supple skin. With everyone (unfortunately) opting for boneless, skinless everything, we are missing out on vital amino acids that help to heal and seal the gut lining. Impaired gut lining = leaky gut = immune system activation. 
• Choose organic when possible (aka avoid toxins)
• Check out EWG.org for Clean 15 and Dirty 12 lists so you can prioritize organic purchases and avoid chemicals in your foods that can negatively impact the bugs.
• Avoid antibiotics unless necessary 
• Antibiotics wipe out the good gut bacteria and you basically need to “start over.” If you must take antibiotics, make sure to prioritize fruits and vegetables and consider a probiotic supplement.
• Manage your stress
  • Arguably one of the most important suggestions but often overlooked! Stress dramatically affects your gut. More on this in the next blog post!

For a deeper dive on gut healing, probiotics, and prebiotics, check out my free guide!

Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.