The gut is your second brain. This is a fact, scientifically proven. Your gut is responsible for absorbing all the nutrients your body needs to function, separating waste, and ensuring it gets disposed of instead of accumulating. Your gut also produces some of the most important hormones your body uses. For example, 90% of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that directly influences mood, happiness, and the risk of depression, is regulated by your gut. No wonder so many people in the developed world are now depressed (hint: they most likely have a dysfunctional gut).
Disruptions to this balance, known as dysbiosis, can lead to a wide range of health issues, affecting digestive and mental health, brain and immune function, metabolism and weight regulation, skin health, hormonal balance, cardiovascular health, sleep quality, and overall energy levels.
Modern diets high in GMOs, ultra-processed foods, artificial additives, and environmental toxins are gut health killers. These disrupt gut bacteria, weaken the gut-brain connection, and compromise the gut lining, allowing toxins to leak from the gut into the bloodstream.
Not sure which programme is right for you?
Stay Away from Fluoride and Chlorine
Fluoride and Chlorine are found in over 70% of US tap water, as well as in toothpaste and mouthwashes, accumulates in the body, disrupting thyroid function, cognitive health, bone density, sleep, and hormone balance. They alter gut bacteria, leading to inflammation, impaired digestion, and weakened immunity. To protect your gut microbiome, drink fluoride and chlorine-free mineralised water.
Avoid Sugars and Simple Carbs
Excess sugar and refined carbs, common in modern diets, disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and an overgrowth of harmful microbes. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can impair digestion, weaken immunity, and contribute to metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and weight gain. High sugar intake also feeds harmful gut bacteria, further exacerbating gut health issues. Opting for whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy digestion.
Genetically Modified (GM) and Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)
GM foods and artificial additives are not digestible by your gut bacteria, leading to imbalances that cause inflammation and weakened immunity. Ultra-processed foods, high in trans fats, added sugars, and artificial additives, harm gut health, contribute to mood disorders, and disrupt hormonal balance. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame also interfere with gut bacteria and insulin sensitivity. Cutting out GM foods, processed foods, and artificial sweeteners while choosing whole, nutrient-dense options supports gut health, regulates blood sugar, and improves overall well-being.
Antibiotics and Medication
Antibiotics and certain medications directly disrupt gut bacteria, they are gut bacterial killers, leading to imbalances that affect digestion, immunity, and overall health and should be avoided. While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, they should only be used when absolutely required, as they kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Many prescriptions are given without considering the long-term impact on gut health.
If you must take antibiotics, follow up with at least 3-6 months of gut restoration through probiotics, fermented foods, and a nutrient-rich diet to help rebuild your microbiome and restore balance as one course of antibiotics can wipe out 30-50% of gut bacteria. Some beneficial strains may never return without intervention.
