Today we're talking all about gut health and how to improve it in midlife. We're joined by Donna Monthei, a gut health nutrition coach. We talk about what causes gut issues, how to know whether gut problems cause your symptoms, and how to take care of your gut for optimal overall health.
- The gut is a crucial part of our health. It aids in the digestion and absorption of the foods that we eat, which allows us to get the nutrients we need from our food.
- Your gut is the center of your body's health, and an imbalance in your gut can affect every system in your body. From your brain to your mood and hormones, vitamins, and even your immune system, nothing is safe from the impact that an unhealthy gut can have on you.
- The gut and the brain are connected through a two-way superhighway of communication between our central nervous system and digestive system. This connection is called the gut-brain axis, and it's critical for optimal health.
- H. pylori can affect mood. The bacteria causes inflammation in the stomach, which can lead to depression and anxiety.
- Gut microbiome testing is a way to analyze the bacteria, parasites, and fungus in your gut. This can help you determine whether these organisms are causing you any symptoms.
- Stress can alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues and other health problems. This is because stress causes changes in the body's hormone production and immune response.
- A low-fiber, high-sugar diet has been shown to reduce the diversity of gut bacteria. This can lead to a less diverse, more harmful gut microbiome.
- Certain medications can also alter our gut. Some of these medications include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and proton pump inhibitors.
- Alcohol, in any amount, is bad for our gut.
But if you're going to drink alcohol, opt for red wine—it contains polyphenols and antioxidants that are good for our gut bacteria. - The Bristol Stool Chart is a useful indicator of what's going on in your body. It can help you talk to your doctor about your stool, and it can also be used as a reference when you're trying to determine why your bowel movements have changed over time.
- Your gut microbiome affects your weight. Children may have it better, but as we age, our gut microbiomes change in ways that make us more vulnerable to weight gain.
- Digestive enzymes and probiotics may be helpful in managing gut issues. Digestive enzymes help break down food and absorb nutrients, while probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help support the health of your digestive system.
- Eating fiber is important for the health of our gut's good bacteria. It helps them grow and flourish, which in turn helps us digest food and absorb nutrients.
About Our Guest
Donna Monthei is a gut health nutrition coach, workout junkie, and vitality hacker. She holds a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from The University of Texas and is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She has a passion for nutrition and specializes in helping people with chronic digestive issues (and some that thought they didn’t have issues!) go from stuck, bloated, and frustrated to happy, confident, and healthy. Learn more about her work in the following channels:
https://evervitalnutrition.com
https://www.instagram.com/evervitalnutrition/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnamonthei/
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