@eatswithalee
AleWhat if your gut doesn’t have “issues”—it’s just trying to keep up with how you treat it… Let’s break down some “healthy” habits that could actually be sabotaging your gut health: -Artificial sweeteners & “natural flavors”: Found in many processed “health foods” like protein bars & shakes, these additives disrupt gut bacteria, reduce microbial diversity, & irritate the gut lining. They can also mimic & disrupt hormones, setting the stage for cravings, anxiety, & imbalances. -Big raw salads: Raw veggies can be abrasive to the gut lining—especially if you’re dealing with inflammation, leaky gut, or low stomach acid. This can perpetuate bloating, gas, & overall discomfort, making digestion harder over time. -Lack of animal protein & poor blood sugar balance: Skipping high-quality animal protein can hinder gut repair, as amino acids are essential for tissue health. Choose options without emulsifiers, gums, or sweeteners, which can irritate the gut lining & spike inflammation. -Carbonated drinks: All that fizz traps gas in your digestive system, leading to bloating & discomfort. Many “healthy” carbonated drinks also contain sugars or artificial sweeteners that feed harmful bacteria & yeast, setting the stage for overgrowths like candida & even mold. -Tons of coffee & nut milk: Nut milks often hide gums, thickeners, & seed oils that inflame the gut lining. Excess coffee, while filling in the short term, perpetuates blood sugar crashes, nutrient imbalances, & digestive issues like bloating, gas, & acid reflux throughout the day. -Excess caffeine: High doses spike cortisol, suppress digestion, weaken the gut lining, & disrupt motility. Excess cortisol also disturbs the gut-brain axis, worsening IBS symptoms. Additionally, coffee is one of the moldiest foods—opt for mycotoxin-safe brands to avoid overburdening your system. -Chewing lots of gum: The chemicals & artificial sweeteners in gum don’t just trick your body into thinking food is coming—they also wreak havoc on your gut microbiome, promoting imbalances that can drive long-term issues. -Inflammatory oils in “healthy” takeout meals: Many takeout dishes are cooked in industrial seed oils (like soybean or canola oil), which promote systemic inflammation, disrupt the gut lining, & contribute to chronic digestive dysfunction. -EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) & Forever Chemicals: Found in plastics, non-stick cookware, & personal care products, these toxins interfere with hormone signaling, weaken the gut lining, & overburden your liver. A stressed liver has a harder time detoxing & protecting the gut. -Unintentional supplementation: Taking trendy supplements you don’t really need—or using poor-quality supplements filled with additives, fillers, & low-absorption forms—can do more harm than good. They can irritate the gut lining, disrupt microbial balance, & burden your detox pathways. It’s best to work with a functional practitioner to assess your real needs or choose high-quality, clean brands without unnecessary additives. -Unprocessed trauma: Chronic stress & unresolved trauma disrupt the gut-brain axis, keeping your body stuck in “fight or flight.” This is the most critical factor of all, as being in fight or flight inhibits digestion long-term, weakening gut motility, absorption, & repair. Your gut isn’t “broken”—it’s overwhelmed by modern stressors like sneaky additives, environmental toxins, & emotional burdens.🫶🥲🤝
On the profile · Jan 4, 2025, 20:29