Most of us will suffer from a dysfunctional gut within our lifetime, particularly if the lifestyle you lead is not in balance, for example; working long hours in a job that you don’t enjoy or leaves you feeling stressed most of the time, living for the weekend and binge drinking on alcohol and using sweet foods as a way to reward yourself for the hard day you have just got through.
This list isn’t exhaustive, there are many other reasons that could be a trigger including, taking antibiotics, you immune system, food sensitivities, going through a stressful and emotional period of your life or how you were actually born into the world can have a huge impact.
The good news is that minor gut dysfunction can be healed by giving our gut some TLC.
Take the quiz to find out how your current lifestyle is affecting your gut.
Q1. When I wake up in the morning I feel…
A. I feel great and awake within 10 minutes of being out of bed
B. I feel ok but it takes me about 20-30minutes to feel fully awake
C. I feel tired and do not feel awake until I have had a coffee fix.
Q2. For breakfast I usually eat…
A. A variety of foods, eggs, smoothies, juices
B. I stick to porridge or toast for breakfast each morning
C. I’m never hungry in the morning
Q3. During my working day I feel…
A. On the whole I am calm and in control
B. I feel stressed on most days but feel in control
C. Often feel anxious and each day feel stressed
Q4. After working hours I…
A. Look forward to my evening activities planned
B. Can’t wait for dinner and chilling out in my flat/villa
C. Want to cry because I feel so exhausted
Q5. Upon going to bed I feel…
A. A sense of achievement and contentment
B. Quite tired and start thinking about the next day
C. I’m so tired but know I will not be able to get to sleep
Count up your scores
A= 3 points B= 2 points C= 1 point
11-15 = bursting with energy and ready to do more with your time
6-10= a slight change in lifestyle could make all the difference
0-5 or below = action needs to be taken immediately to bring that jump back into your step.
Act now; the sooner you take action the sooner you’ll feel the benefits of a healthy gut
Maintain; commit to one gut TLC action each day, every day, forever
Reward; strong immune system, feel great and look great
Eat these foods to support a healthy gut:
PRE-BIOTIC FOODS
PRO-BIOTIC FOODS
Fermenting your foods is an even better way, check out this book to get you started The Essential Book of Fermentation: Great Taste and Good Health with Probiotic Foods.
Add a good quality pro-biotic for 30 days, here is a link to the best probiotic supplement reviews of 2017 http://www.reviews.com/probiotic-supplement/
You’ve heard the phrase ‘listen to your gut’, now is the time to do it. When your body needs some TLC it let’s you know about it, those signs listed above are some of the ways your body is trying to talk to you, so take some time out and listen.
Becoming accountable is a positive and motivating step towards creating new, healthy and life changing habits.
Having a health coach is like having your own personal cheerleader, supporting and celebrating each step, no matter how small, in your journey to better health.
If you have a dysfunctional gut and would really like some support in the healing process please get in touch by sending an email to heidi@heidijonescoaching.com
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