Updates from Greta Olechno

If you're like me and you struggle with gut issues, then you know how frustrating it can be to limit yourself from eating the foods you love. But with a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy your favourite meals without suffering later. 

 For me, it started with pizza in my early teens. I used to love nothing more than a big slice of cheese pizza, but even the thought of eating it made my stomach blow up like a balloon. 

After years of struggling with bloating, gas and extreme pain right after eating my favourite foods, I found a solution that worked for me, and now I want to share it with you!

Pay attention to your body and how it reacts to different foods. 

There are certain foods that may trigger your symptoms more than others. For me, gluten and dairy were a big no-no. Cheese was one of the worst offenders when it came to giving me tummy troubles, so I tried to limit my consumption of it. Spicy foods were also tough on my stomach, so I would make sure to order milder dishes when dining out. 

Don't eat too much at one time. 

When we overeat, our stomachs have a harder time digesting everything we consume. This can lead to bloating, gas and pain. So instead of stuffing yourself at mealtime, try eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. You'll still get to enjoy the foods you love without making your stomach work overtime. 

There are several natural remedies that can help alleviate stomach distress. 

For example, ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting. You can take ginger in pill form or brew it into tea. Chamomile tea is also thought to be helpful in relieving stomach upset. 

You can also look into a natural and gentle detox tea; here is one that I love. Another option is pre & pro-biotics, which are live bacteria that are good for gut health. Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi. Start with small amounts of probiotics and increase gradually as tolerated. 

I use these pre & probiotics because they are soil-derived and are heat and acid resistant.

Be mindful of how you're preparing your food. 

Some cooking methods are better for gut health than others. For example, grilled or baked meats are usually easier on the stomach than fried foods. And fruits and vegetables that are cooked or steamed are usually easier to digest than raw fruits and veggies. 

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your favourite foods without having to worry about tummy troubles later. Pay attention to your body's reaction to different foods, watch portion sizes and be mindful of how you're preparing your meals, and you'll be able to indulge in all your favourites without pain!

Most people think of gut health as being about food and digestion. And while that's certainly part of it, there's a lot more to it than that. Your gut health is actually a reflection of the overall state of your health. So, if you're dealing with an unhealthy gut, this could be caused by many things—many of which may surprise you. Here are five common causes of an unhealthy gut:

1. A Poor Diet

This one may seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning because it's such a common cause of gut issues. If you're eating a lot of processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbs, your gut health is going to suffer. These types of foods are hard to digest and can lead to inflammation, bloating, and other digestive problems. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and fibre is easy to digest and helps promote a healthy gut microbiome. 

2. Stress

Stress can take a toll on your entire body—including your gut. When you're stressed out, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to inflammation throughout your body—including in your digestive tract. In addition, stress can also worsen other underlying health conditions—such as anxiety and depression—which can also contribute to gut problems. 

3. Lack of Sleep

Just like with stress, Lack of sleep can also lead to increased cortisol levels in your body. This can again result in inflammation and digestive problems. In addition, sleep deprivation can also negatively affect your immune system—leaving you more vulnerable to infections and illnesses that could further damage your gut health. 

4. Certain Medications

Certain medications—such as antibiotics and NSAIDs—can cause damage to the beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome. This can lead to dysbiosis—an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut—which can result in inflammation, bloating, and other digestive issues. 

5. Untreated Gut Infections

If you have an infection in your gut—such as H pylori or C difficile —it can lead to inflammation and other digestive problems. These infections need to be treated with antibiotics in order to clear them up but after you will need to restore balance to the gut microbiome by taking a pre & probiotic. 

As you can see, there are a lot of things that can cause an unhealthy gut. From stress and lack of sleep to certain medications and untreated infections, many different factors can contribute to an unhealthy gut microbiome. The good news is that there are also many things you can do to promote a healthy gut—such as eating a nutritious diet, managing stress levels, getting enough sleep, and taking a high quality of pre & probiotics, digestive enzymes or other supplements specifically designed for gut health. If you suspect you may have an underlying infection or other condition affecting your gut health, be sure to chat with your health practitioner so you can get the help you need!