Are you a mom trying to heal your gut? Welcome to the club! Before diving into the whirlwind of leaky gut, I never thought twice about gut health. But now, it’s become a cornerstone of my well-being, especially as it relates to being a mother.
We strive to be on top of our game, juggling endless responsibilities, from nourishing our bodies with nutrient-dense foods to stealing whatever snippets of sleep we can manage amidst the chaos (because let’s be real, uninterrupted sleep is a luxury reserved for pre-motherhood). Yet, despite our efforts, feeling good isn’t always a guarantee.
Amidst the sleepless nights and toddler tantrums, nurturing our gut health emerges as a crucial piece of the puzzle. You might wonder, what’s the connection between gut health and sleep? Let’s break it down.
Firstly, disruptions in the delicate balance of gut bacteria can wreak havoc on our sleep patterns. Ever found yourself tossing and turning, unable to drift into slumber? Your gut microbes might be whispering their disapproval.
Moreover, did you know that serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and yes, sleep, is primarily produced in the gut? It’s fascinating how intricately our gut influences not just our physical health, but also our mental well-being.
And let’s not forget about inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the gut can throw a wrench into the finely tuned machinery of sleep-regulating hormones, like melatonin. So, if you’re finding it challenging to catch those ZZZs, your gut might be sending out distress signals.
Gut health matters—for your overall well-being, and yes, for your precious sleep. And if you’re ready to embark on a journey of gut healing, I’ve got you covered.
Click HERE to snag my comprehensive guide to kickstart your gut-healing journey. Let’s nourish our bodies, nurture our sleep, and embrace the beautiful chaos of motherhood with vitality and resilience.
Did you know this affects your gut health too? Brace yourselves, because the colorful additives lurking in your favorite foods might be wreaking havoc on your gut without you even realizing it.
Synthetic food dyes, those vibrant hues that make your cereals pop and your candies sparkle, are not as innocent as they appear.
They’ve been shown to disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms that call your gut home. In simpler terms, they mess with the good bacteria, throwing your gut ecosystem out of whack.
But wait, there’s still more. These sneaky additives may also be the culprits behind the infamous "leaky gut" syndrome. Your intestinal barrier, normally a fortress guarding against unwanted invaders, becomes compromised, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to sneak into your bloodstream.
And if you thought that was bad enough, buckle up, because we’re just getting started. Synthetic food dyes are notorious for sparking inflammation in your gut—a red flag for digestive distress. Think of it as your gut’s way of throwing a tantrum in response to these foreign invaders disrupting its natural rhythm.
But wait, there’s more. Remember how we said your gut is like a second brain? Well, synthetic food dyes might be messing with your mood, too. By interfering with neurotransmitter production and sparking neuroinflammation, they could be throwing your emotional balance off-kilter.
Now, before you swear off anything with artificial coloring for life, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary. Factors like genetics, diet, and overall gut health play a role in how your body reacts to these additives. While some might experience immediate adverse effects, others might sail through unscathed.
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? It’s simple: Limiting your exposure to synthetic food dyes and opting for natural alternatives might just be the gut-friendly choice your body is craving. Your gut microbiome will thank you, your digestive system will thank you, and hey, your mood might even thank you.
Embarking on the journey to balance your gut health? Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Candida—a yeast that plays a pivotal role in your gut ecosystem. Maintaining its delicate balance is key to safeguarding your well-being against a myriad of health issues.
But what exactly throws this equilibrium off?
- Sugar: Candida thrives on sugar, so indulging in sweets can inadvertently fuel its overgrowth. It’s like throwing gasoline on a fire—definitely not what you want for your gut health.
- Antibiotics: While antibiotics can be lifesavers when battling infections, they can also wipe out the good bacteria in your gut, paving the way for Candida to run amok.
- Weakened Immune System: Your immune system acts as a guardian, keeping Candida in check. But when it’s compromised, Candida can seize the opportunity to stage a hostile takeover.
So, what are the signs of Candida imbalance? Think digestive issues, skin flare-ups, and mood rollercoasters. But here’s the catch: These symptoms can manifest differently in each of us, making diagnosis a tricky endeavor.
The good news? You hold the reins to support your gut! Here’s how:
- Cut Down on Sugar: Say goodbye to refined sugars and opt for wholesome alternatives like fruits. Starve Candida of its favorite fuel and watch it shrink into oblivion.
- Embrace Probiotics: Populate your gut with friendly bacteria by incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables into your diet. They’ll team up to keep Candida in check.
- Harness Anti-Fungal Foods: Arm yourself with nature’s warriors—garlic, coconut oil, and oregano. These potent anti-fungal agents will launch a full-scale assault on Candida overgrowth.
- Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, indulge in self-care rituals, and watch your gut flourish in tranquility.
But remember, achieving gut balance is a marathon, not a sprint. Listen to your body’s cues, make mindful choices, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Ready to kickstart your gut health journey? Click HERE to grab a treasure trove of tips and recipes in my Gut Health Made Easy guide. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together—your gut will thank you!
When I was pregnant I was on the research train. I found comfort in reading different books, looking at different studies that had been run and immersing myself into the local birth community.
Some people don't find the comfort in looking into all the different procedures that certain providers will say are 'necessary' (spoiler they aren't always and sometimes they are) I found my research to be extremely empowering as well as at the same time disheartening, especially with what certain birth experiences are today in the modern western society.
There were many different things that I learned, I was going to try to find the top 5 from my pregnancy journal but honestly it is hard to say what those would be so I picked a few and shared them here:
➡️Trust your body. I know it can seem scary, but your body is amazing and was made to do this!
➡️Birth should be in whatever position YOU want it to be, not what someone says is “the policy.” You are allowed to try different positions and move around as you see fit and what’s comfortable for you.
➡️Having support that you choose and feel good about is KEY. It’s more than just your family and friends! Finding a care team that you can confide in and ask questions about your whole journey makes all the difference.
➡️YOU don't have to listen to anyone's "advice" or horror stories from their experiences that you don't want to. I remember hearing all the stories once people found out I was pregnant and I would just politely decline or remove myself from the situation.
➡️YOU are in control of a lot more than you might have been led to believe......
See a pattern!? When it comes to your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey YOU are in charge. It’s so important to find a care team that works with you and supports your decisions. There’s so much value in being educated and knowing what questions to ask.
I thought I was sensitive before I became a mom; I didn’t really like scary movies or any with violence or a lot of death but since becoming a mom this has intensified A LOT. Often I won’t even watch new movies or shows because I don’t know how they end or if anyone dies in them.
So along with all of the beautiful feelings that motherhood can give you, there often comes a heightened sensitivity to the challenges and injustices that permeate our world. The sadness, whether that’s in a movie or in real life hits us like a wave, leaving us feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed.
Some ways that help me with these aspects:
🌞 GET OUTSIDE - I do not do this enough. Even if generally I do it once a day, my goal for this month is twice a day - even if just for a few minutes to let the sun hit my skin
📰 DO NOT consume news media - okay there are varying degrees around this - can you find out what is going on in a way that doesn’t leave you having a lot of stress? Then go for it. I used to just have my hubby tell me the highlights, so he knew the depth and I didn’t have to live in the negative space; find what works for you, but blanket statement, do NOT watch the news.
🏃🏻♀️MOVE your body- however that works for you! Some people run, some walk, some yoga, some peloton - you get the idea.
📖 Immerse yourself in something you love to do. For me, this is definitely reading, watching SATC for the 100,000 time, eating at my favorite restaurant and whatever else calls me at the time.
As we know life isn’t all rainbows and sunshine but finding the joy where you can is really helpful!❤️
