It Takes GUTS! (Healthy Ones)
"Trust your gut." "Go with your gut." "A gut instinct..."
We've heard them all, right? The "Gut clichés" that imply we have a deep knowing inside of us, that would never steer us wrong. Or would it?
Well, as it turns out, our gut can take us down a VERY wrong path, when it comes to health and wellness. Did you know that 70% of our immune system lives in our gut? I have been on a personal mission the past year to uncover the root of a myriad of health symptoms that have been everything short of infuriating. From joint pain, fatigue, and an incessant face rash that, when it actually disappears, I may not recognize myself anymore. All signs of the causes of these problems point to issues in my gut. How do we fix this? A whole foods, plant-based diet that is high in diversity, and lots of fiber!
I have been reading and learning a lot about the power of our microbiome, its unique individuality, and how it can protect us or potentially harm us. One of my favorite resources is Fiber Fueled, by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist in Charleston, SC. He includes so much research and science that supports how and why a pant-based diet is the most optimal for our gut health, and overall wellness. What I appreciate the most is there are no sales gimmicks or supplement programs that he tries to push, unlike so many other "cure it all" type of health books.
Wondering where to get more fiber in your diet, that's not your grandmother's jar of Metamucil? Check out my morning oatmeal bowl that packs a mega 35 grams of fiber, much more than the full daily recommendation.
How much can you pack into one bowl?
1/2 cup steel cut oats
1 1/2 cup almond milk
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
1-2 tbsp chia seeds
1-2 tbsp flax seeds
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 mix of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and almonds
1 cup mix of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries
3 tbsp goji berries
*Bring almond milk to a boil, add oats and simmer for 15-20 minutes until soft and creamy. Mix the syrup and cinnamon with the oats, and then top with all other superfoods! Enjoy!
Our good friends at Spruce.MD also wrote a short post about the gut-brain connection, which you can read HERE. So many health issues can be traced back to gut health. Dr. Mary Brittian Blankenship is a fantastic resource for just this, and can order a variety of non-traditional diagnostic tests that look at your microbiome in detail.
Have you tried Sakara!? We are obsessed. Fully plant-based, gluten-free, and an awesome and easy source of fiber. We know it's hard to shop, cook, and stay on top of healthy ingredients and recipes. Sakara will come right to your door, fully prepared, and 100% healthy! Use our discount code for 20% off your first box or 10-day reset. Let us know what you think!