Fix your gut health with a gut reset
Subject
Gut Reset
Date
26 May 2024
You’ve heard of a healthy heart or strong bones, but what about a happy gut? Our digestive system, teeming with trillions of tiny microbes, plays a bigger role than just breaking down food. This article dives into the fascinating world of gut health, exploring how it affects everything from digestion and immunity to mood and even brain function. Learn how to nurture your gut’s good bacteria and keep your insides smiling.
Why is gut health key to better health?
Thrive or survive? A lot hinges on the tiny world within your gut. Trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes are known as your gut microbiome. This incredible community helps break down food and absorb nutrients and plays a significant role in your immune system, mood, and weight management. When these microbes are balanced, they create a healthy gut, translating to a strong defence against illness, better digestion, more energy levels, and potentially a sunnier disposition. But if this balance is disrupted, it can lead to inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and even contribute to chronic diseases. Doctors and scientists are learning that the health of your gut is one of the most important factors when you look at the health of your overall body and even your appearance such as acne! So, taking care of your gut microbiome through a balanced diet rich in fibre and fermented foods is an investment in your overall health and well-being.
What is a gut reset?
A gut reset is a strategy to restore balance to the complex ecosystem of trillions of microbes living in your gut, known as the microbiome. This microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immune function. The idea is that factors like diet, stress, and medications can disrupt the delicate balance of these microbes, potentially leading to digestive issues, bloating, or fatigue. A gut reset typically involves several stages:
- An initial assessment where a holistic dietitian gather data on your current diet, symptoms, medical history and lifestyle to create a nutritional diagnosis
- Based on your bespoke assessment, there is a short-term dietary shift that emphasises whole foods high in fibre and the elimination of common irritants such as processed foods and caffeine.
- Your dietitian will then focus on healing the gut lining and reducing inflammation in the body by adding gut-healing foods and recommending supplements such as prebiotics (food for good bacteria) and probiotics (supplements or fermented foods containing live good bacteria).
- There will be a period of reintroduction of eliminated foods one at a time to monitor nutritional triggers
- A long-term maintenance plan will then be created to maintain gut health
These dietary changes aim to create an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive while limiting foods that might feed harmful bacteria. While some gut resets are short-lived cleanses, a more sustainable approach focuses on incorporating these gut-friendly practices into your daily routine for long-term digestive health. It’s important to note that the research on gut resets is ongoing, and consulting a gut reset dietician before starting any new dietary plan is recommended.
What is the fastest way to reset your gut?
There is yet to be a quick fix for gut health, but focusing on a balanced diet is the most effective first step. Fill your plate with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These are packed with fibre, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Limit processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats and alcohol, which can harm those same bacteria. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as water helps move food through your digestive system. Practising yoga and meditation are also key for gut health as well as sleeping 7-9 hours per night. While probiotic supplements can be helpful, a well-rounded diet is the most reliable way to nurture a healthy gut microbiome.
Can a nutritionist help with gut health?
Indeed, a nutritionist can be a key partner in your journey to improve your gut health. They are adept at assessing your unique situation, including your dietary habits and any digestive issues you might be experiencing. They can create a personalised plan to promote a healthy gut microbiome by carefully analysing this information. This plan may involve incorporating more prebiotics and probiotics into your diet, which are essential for fostering beneficial gut bacteria. Moreover, the nutritionist can help identify and eliminate foods that could be irritating your gut or triggering sensitivities and should be carried in stages under the guidance of an expert in gut health. With their guidance, you can make informed dietary choices, empowering you to take control of your gut health and contribute to a happier and healthier gut.
At Nutribeings, our founder Sonam Hitendre specialises in gut resets and her qualifications include:
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics RD (registered dietitian)
- MSc Public Health Nutrition MPH (public health nutritionist)
- Certified Dietitian Nutrition Coach
- Certified Fertility Dietitian
How do I reset my gut for weight loss?
While the concept of a complete gut “reset” is evolving, a registered dietitian can help you create a long-term plan to support a healthy gut microbiome for weight loss. This might involve gradually reducing processed foods, added sugar, and unhealthy fats that can harm beneficial gut bacteria. They recommend incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide prebiotics that feed these good bacteria. Fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and kombucha can also be helpful. This, along with staying hydrated and managing stress, can contribute to a more balanced gut environment, which may support weight management efforts. Consistency is vital; a qualified dietitian can create a personalised approach for sustainable weight loss and overall well-being.
How do I reset my gut naturally?
A registered gut health nutritionist can help you craft a personalised plan to nurture your gut health naturally. They’ll likely recommend a shift in your diet, focusing on whole foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These are packed with fibre, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Conversely, they’ll advise reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats that can harm these microbes. Staying hydrated is critical, as water helps move food through your digestive system. They may also explore stress management and recommend a sleep schedule since both factors influence gut health. This approach may involve incorporating stress-reduction techniques and aiming for regular sleep cycles.
Tiny changes
Life-changing results
How much does it cost to see a gut reset nutritionist?
At Nutribeings, we have designed several programmes using our proprietary five-stage methodology, which will serve as the blueprint for life-changing transformation. These start from just £199/ month! Start your gut-reset nutrition journey today!
