Declutter Your Digestive System
Spring is officially here and with it comes the arrival of fresh blossoms, longer days, and the sweet enticement of warm sunshine. Many of us are motivated this time of year to press the “reset button” on our health and we suggest the starting point be to declutter your digestive system. We can’t forget a healthy gut microbiome is essential for good overall health. Now there is no such thing as a quick fix or magic pill but there are some supplements that will help you to optimize your gut health, promoting a happy environment for nutrients to be broken down, absorbed, and utilized within the body. We are going to walk you through our top recommendations on how to declutter your digestive system, along with a few supplements that won’t break the bank but do make a difference!
1. FILL UP WITH FIBRE
The direct relationship between fibre intake and gut health has been studied for many years. A diet that is rich in fibrous foods supports the growth of microbes, or “good bacteria”, in the gut. Fibre also aids in bulking up waste products, allowing for a smoother passage of these materials through the colon. It is recommended that for every 1000 calories you are consuming, you should aim to take in 10g of fibre. In other words, if your daily caloric intake is 2500 calories, you can meet this health recommendation by consuming 25g of fibre. Foods such as oats, berries, legumes, sweet potatoes and cruciferous vegetables are all reputable sources of fibre. Fibre supplementation is a simple and effective way to increase your intake and is highly recommended for people who struggle to get enough through dietary choices. Our number one pick is North Coast Naturals Ultimate Daily Cleanse.
2. GO FOR GLUTAMINE
Glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid that can be found in foods such as poultry and eggs but can also be purchased as an isolated amino acid for supplementation. The cells that line the walls of our intestines prefer glutamine over glucose for fuel, making glutamine a critical component of digestive health. Glutamine supplementation can often be found in the form of a flavourless powder, dosed around 5g, which can easily be added to smoothies, yogurt, juice, or water. Our favourite is Allmax Glutamine.
3. TRY TURMERIC
Turmeric is a root with medicinal properties that have been utilized for thousands of years. The main bioactive compound, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. People who suffer from IBS or Leaky Gut Syndrome are no stranger to the discomfort and troubles surrounding an inflamed or aggravated bowel system. It is important to note that curcumin alone is not absorbed well by the body, and should be consumed with black pepper, as piperine increases the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2000%. In other words, spice your curry with both turmeric and black pepper, or we recommend supplementing with a curcumin and piperine blend to reap the full benefits of this powerhouse.
4. HYDRATION & ELECTROLYTES
As you know, the human body is composed of up to 60% water. Water fuels many functions in our cells, tissues and organs, such as digestion and bowel function. As we breathe, digest nutrients, and sweat, our bodies utilize water. Regular consumption of water or foods containing water is vital to maintain homeostasis. Sodium has received a bad reputation by many, however, sodium is an essential electrolyte responsible for hydration regulation. Too little sodium is as dangerous as an excessive amount, and people who sweat a lot or engage in endurance activities must be careful to replace the sodium that is lost. The human digestive tract is a complex system of organs that requires water, like oil, to run smoothly. Proper hydration, as well as the balance of sodium and water is crucial to support function. If you are someone who loves to run, play sports, or participate in any other vigorous activities, we recommend looking into electrolyte supplementation to restore what was lost through sweat. We suggest giving PVL Game-Ade a try.
Gut health can sometimes feel like an afterthought. Your gut plays a huge role in overall health of so many systems in the body, it’s imperative to understand how you can improve your microbiome using food, nutrients and lifestyle if you want to achieve your peak performance! How do you declutter your digestive system? Let us know! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook. We are #ReflexNation.
