It sometimes feels, as working mums, that we are on the permanent hunt for that ever-elusive thing called energy.  We need more mental and physical energy than most people.

So how do we tap into more when there are lists and lists of what you can do for more energy?

I’m sharing where I focus first because it’s not so easy to make a lot of changes at once.

One step at a time.

Have you ever heard of the expression “How do you eat an elephant?”… “One bite at a time.”

There is no miracle fast fix for more energy but there is an area where you can focus – it’s your gut!

You heard me right.

Your GUT HEALTH.

What is gut health? It refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract.

• Your digestive tract (from mouth to anus) contains trillions of microbes (it’s a whole ecosystem) which live inside your gut. Don’t panic, these are not alien invaders but friendly bacteria and fungi and when they live in the right conditions with the right numbers, help regulate your health.

Did you know?

your gut is also known as your second brain and here’s why.

• It contains as many nerve cells (neurons) as your spinal cord
• This network of neurons in the gut is called the Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

Why is this ENS special? Because it can act both independently and with the brain!

That gut feeling you get… it’s real. Your gut and your brain are interlinked like a massive highway.

You might be saying “So what?”

When your gut health is out of balance it can affect both your mental and physical well-being. Looking after the health of the gut and maintaining the right balance of these microorganisms is vital for physical and mental health, immunity, and more.

Do you ever experience any of the below on a regular basis?

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Irregular bowel movements
• Issues when eating certain foods
• Brain fog
• Sugar Cravings
• Skin breakouts

The following can affect the well-being of your gut:

• Antibiotics
• Stress
• Lack of water
• Lack of sleep
• Eating too much sugar
• Poor nutrition, diet that lacks variety and a high % of processed foods

So HOW does a healthy gut give you more energy?

Simply put, the microorganisms break down plant material through the process of fermentation.  This fermentation process allows us to assimilate vital nutrients like vitamin B and K from our food.

Your B vitamins play an essential role in your metabolism, which is the process of breaking down food to release energy, as well as keeping your skin and nervous system healthy.

Gut bacteria play an important role in mental health, particularly mood regulation.  Studies have estimated that the vast majority of serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract – and as serotonin is the “happy chemical” you can understand why having a healthy gut is important for mood regulation.

There is so much more to the gut and its role in our body, but for the purpose of focusing on energy, looking after your gut health is very important.

In this episode of my podcast, I share with you how gut health has really impacted my health.

Here is what I recommend to start looking after your gut health:

• Eating lots of vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts and fruit – they’re the best source for a healthy gut, and variety is the key.
• Eating fermented foods; such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and kombucha because they are rich in lactobacilli, a type of bacteria that can benefit your gut health.
• Eat prebiotic foods that promote the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut. Many fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain prebiotics.
• Probiotic supplements

Collagen is also beneficial to gut health because it contains large amounts of the amino acids glycine, glutamine and proline which can be beneficial to the intestinal tract, as well as the stomach. Foods rich in collagen are: fish, chicken, egg whites, citrus fruits, berries, red and yellow vegetables and garlic.

Supplements:

Tip: I have a morning “glow up” drink which contains

1. daily digestive health support (prebiotics, probiotics and enzymes)
2. a collagen builder (to support skin health too)
3. a scoop of greens (with antioxidants, phytonutrients and fibre)
4. a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar (great for tummy health)

I mix this in half a glass of water and drink it back. Hydration & gut health in one quick time saving and easy solution for this busy mum. Take a look at how I make it here.

*For the products I use and are my favourite supplements click here.

P.S.

I am an independent consultant for Arbonne.

Disclaimer:

* The typical results are different for everyone. Results vary based on body composition, age, individual effort, eating patterns, exercise and the like.

** The Content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding your health.