| Can you feel it? The shift in the air is signaling the end of winter’s grip while we eagerly embrace warmer days ahead! Winter illnesses are hopefully slowly fading into memory--and if any of you were as unlucky as me, the inevitable aftermath of antibiotics lingering in our systems means it’s time to turn our attention to a topic that cannot be overemphasized: gut health. Antibiotics, while occasionally necessary, can wreak havoc on our gut microbiome which can keep our digestive system from humming along smoothly. Some of you might be wondering why antibiotics cause such harm when we take them to feel better. The main reason is that, while they are effective in killing off the “bad” bacteria, they can also kill the good ones, which leads to an imbalance of gut bacteria. This ultimately causes an array of digestive issues. Healthy bacteria in our gut are responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. If these are reduced, it will leave us with a lack of vitamins, minerals, and micro-nutrients which are essential to keeping us feeling nourished and well. So, the question of the hour is: how do we heal our digestive systems after taking antibiotics? Fortunately, there are a few ways to restore our gut health! - Eat probiotic foods: Consuming probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, we can naturally introduce more healthy bacteria in our gut.
- Eat prebiotic foods: Prebiotics are a type of fiber that helps healthy bacteria flourish. These can be found in foods like bananas, onions, garlic, and ginger!
- Avoid processed foods: A diet that consists of a high quantity of processed and sugary foods can further deplete the healthy bacteria in our guts, so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible while trying to heal.
Patience is key while nurturing our bodies back to balance. Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, rebuilding a thriving gut microbiome takes time, dedication, and a whole lot of TLC. So, here’s to taking the time to nurture ourselves, listen to our bodies, and honor the incredible healing power within each and every one of us. |
