If there is one thing you learn today about resetting your gut (and health) it is this: this is NOT a detox or a cleanse. Your body detoxes and cleanses itself on its own, thanks to a little something called your internal organs. You don’t need flat tummy tea or a juice cleanse to get it done.
Instead, you should focus on making small changes that will improve your digestion and help restart your health from the inside, out.
Start With What is Bothering You the Most
Before you can reset your gut, you need to know what you are actually trying to change. When it comes to your gut health and digestion, is there anything you can think of that is causing you issues?
Maybe you are experiencing problems with bowl movements, you have increased acid reflux, or weird stomach cramping.
This might not be something you can think of immediately. Start tracking your symptoms, writing down details of what you ate and what you were doing every time you had stomach issues. Recording the date and time can also be really helpful.
Have You Considered an Elimination Diet?
Many doctors will ask you to do an elimination diet if you think there may be foods that are causing these stomach issues. It’s hard to figure out what is causing you problems when your meals consist of many different types of foods and ingredients.
There are quite a few elimination diets, including:
- Low FODMAP
- Whole30
- Autoimmune Protocol
Eat as Many Whole Foods as You Can
While you don’t want to focus on a restrictive diet and take food groups away, you can definitely improve your gut by adding more of the good stuff in. Whole foods are those that are considered “clean” or in their natural form, without added ingredients.
This might mean choosing nuts and seeds that aren’t salted or have added sugar, fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned, and meals you make from scratch.
Eat Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods
Lastly, eat foods that can help with your gut health and gut flora, including prebiotic foods and probiotic foods. Probiotic foods include foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and Greek yogurt. Prebiotic foods include bananas, oats, onions, leeks, and garlic.
Resetting your gut should not be about going on a super restrictive diet or doing anything extreme. Just treat your stomach kindly, eat foods that are wholesome and nutrient-dense, and see a doctor if needed.
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