Detoxing Your Gut

There are roughly 100 trillion bacteria in the digestive system alone. It may seem like a tall order to change that much bacteria, but the good news is that your microbiome can quickly change. Research has shown that within two to four days of eating right, your gut microbiome can improve.

If you have digestive issues, you’re not alone. Each year, nearly 70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases, from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Many factors affect your gut health, like your family and genetic history and how your body is built. There are also factors you can control, like stress, diet, sleep, exercise and supplementation. When your gut functions properly, there’s a good balance of bacteria helping your body process and get energy from the foods you eat, clear toxins, fight against disease, stabilize mental health, increase energy and improve focus. You’re also free of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, loose stools, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Here are 10 warning signs you may have an unhealthy gut.

You have an upset stomach. Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste.
You feel tired all the time. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut. One study found that almost half of people with fatigue also had IBS.
You have trouble sleeping in general. An unhealthy gut can cause poor sleep and even insomnia, which leads to fatigue. The majority of your body’s serotonin, which affects mood and sleep, is produced in the gut. So, when there’s bacteria or inflammation in the gut, your sleep may be affected as well.
You are intolerant to some foods. Food intolerances may be caused by poor quality of bacteria in the gut. You may have a food intolerance if you struggle to digest certain foods. This can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
You have extreme food cravings, especially sugar. Eating too much sugar is fuel that grows “bad” bacteria in the gut. High amounts of sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, are linked to inflammation in the body and can put you at risk for other diseases.
You have unintentional weight gain or loss. When your gut is imbalanced, your body may struggle to absorb nutrients, store fat, and regulate blood sugar. Weight loss or gain may be caused by bacteria overgrowth or lack of nutrients.
You have skin irritations. Some skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis may be related to or exacerbated by gut issues.
You get headaches and/or migraines. There may be a link between headaches and gut health, especially if you experience nausea or vomiting with migraines. Studies suggest that people with frequent headaches are more likely to have gastrointestinal disorders too.
You have autoimmune problems. Some “bad” gut bacteria may trigger autoimmune conditions like thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and even Type 1 diabetes.
You have frequent mood changes. Gut problems and inflammation in the nervous system can lead to mood swings, anxiety and depression.

So, how do you detox your gut?

Add Ultra Digestive Enzyme supplements to your diet. Ultra Digestive Enzyme Pro Blend is formulated with Makzyme Pro Enzyme Blend to regulate digestion and support the breakdown and utilization of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in an efficient manner, increasing nutrient absorption and reduce gas and bloating. It even supports digestive and immune health via decreased irritable bowel symptoms. Other health benefits include reducing inflammation in the body, improved liver health, even reduced pain from arthritis.
Limit processed foods and sugar. Instead, get nutrients from plant-based foods and lean proteins. A diet high in fiber can promote a healthy gut.
Eat slowly. Chew thoroughly and eat slowly to fully digest your food and help your body absorb all its nutrients.
Eliminate food intolerances. If certain foods always cause cramping, nausea, or acid reflux, you may have a food intolerance. Try an elimination diet to determine your trigger foods, then remove them from your diet completely.
Drink water. You’ve heard it before, but clean fluids (i.e. water) and healthy hydration really does improve your body’s overall health. Drinking water aids with digestion.
Have a grocery game plan. Shop the “outskirts” of the grocery store. Avoid the center aisles with processed foods and refined sugars and stay around the outside of the grocery store. Choose healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, chicken, pork, and organic or non-GMO products whenever possible.
Exercise regularly. Moving your body improves the healthy microbes in your gut, helps you sweat out the toxins keeps your bowel movements regular, and prevents disease while improving your overall health.
Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours each night. Poor sleep helps to balance your hormones and prevent many scenarios that can negatively impact your digestive health, like stress or eating too close to bedtime.
Reduce stress. Some studies show that people who have early life stress more likely to develop IBS. Finding ways to manage your stress can help manage your gut, too.
Avoid or quit smoking. Smoking can harm your digestive system in many ways—from heartburn and ulcers to liver disease and cancer. If you smoke, try to quit. Get medical help if you need it.
Try a Colon Cleanse. Ultra Colon Cleanse can help to jumpstart healthy bacteria by reducing constipation, removing toxins, and improving your immune system. By supporting regular, healthy bowel movements, you rid your gut of unhealthy bacteria and reduced inflammation in the lower digestive tract. You’ll see reduced bloating and improved energy.