Gut health – we all know it’s important, but how many of us are truly aware of how some of our “healthy” habits might actually be wreaking havoc on our digestive systems? The world of wellness is flooded with advice about what’s good for your body, but what if some of those supposed “health hacks” are quietly sabotaging your gut in the name of good intentions?
We’ve all heard that eating kale is a win, or that gluten-free is the golden ticket to good health. But what if these habits, no matter how virtuous they seem, are doing more harm than good? Irina Sharma, a certified nutritionist and Founder of LiveWell, takes us through the most unexpected ways that even the most well-meaning healthy habits might be undermining our gut health.
Healthy habits that are destroying your gut health
Drinking juices and smoothies
Marketed as a good habit, this is one of the biggest “gut destroying” habits with false claims of nutrition causing fermentation in our small intestines. Our mouth is our natural blender and chewing does more than just break down food into smaller pieces; it plays a vital role in preparing the digestive system for the food that’s about to enter. Chewing sends signals to the brain and stomach to prepare for the incoming of food, prompting the stomach to produce digestive enzymes and acid. When you drink juices or liquids, you miss this crucial step. It can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort. This is often linked to conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Chasing detox
Detoxes and cleanses are not about one size fits all. The body already has natural detoxification systems in place, like the liver, kidneys, and digestive system, to handle waste and toxins. This needs to be approached depending on your medical history & metabolic process. Instead of being a “Reset”, it can soon become a “Relapse”.
Fasting fads and trending diets
Fasting is not for everyone. Wrong or excessive diets and fasting can result in gut inflammation, imbalanced acid levels, and irritation of the lining of the stomach or intestines, causing major gut issues.
Excessive and wrong exercise
Regular physical activity is great for your gut, but intense, excessive & the wrong form of exercise can lead to inflammation in the gut and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria
Supplements
Taking supplements or certain herbal remedies, without assessing whether your body needs them can create imbalances in your gut. E.g. Probiotics, if being self-prescribed when your body does not need it, will disrupt the natural diversity of your gut microbiome, potentially leading to digestive issues. The utmost importance is maintaining an acid-alkaline balance which is key to optimal gut health and overall well-being.
Each body is unique – following trends and self-prescribing can lead to disruptions in digestion, imbalance in gut microbiota, and other long-term digestive issues. It is crucial to approach health trends with a critical eye, prioritise personalisation, and consult with professionals to create a sustainable and balanced approach to gut health.