With the holidays just around the corner and the colder months approaching, we wanted to take some time to talk about the gut and how to better support it during this time. Read to the bottom for a cozy, gut-healthy recipe as well!
Why Gut Health Is So Important
Let's start with the basics. What is the gut and why is it so important to support it? The gut is known as the gastrointestinal tract, responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients. The gut plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. With seasonal changes, dietary shifts, and increased stress during the holidays and colder months, supporting the gut is especially important during this time. These factors can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which can then weaken your immune system, overall mood, and digestion.
Want more Trash Panda approved gut-health support products? Head over to our full premium list of products that promote gut health!
Premium List
TP Approved Finds for Gut Health
Trash Panda approved picks to help support your gut microbiome
View List (42)
Tips For Supporting Your Gut
As perviously mentioned, your gut health contributes to your overall body health. Here are some tips that will help keep your digestive system healthy!
Daily exercise: Today's generation is very sedentary in regards to work, being in the car, and relaxing on the couch. In order to contribute to your overall health, daily exercise is an important factor to incorporate in your routine. With the cold months in mind, certain things like online workouts, volunteering in active ways, physically active chores like housework, and nature walks are great ways to stay active in the winter time.
Stay hydrated: Water plays a vital role in digestive processes, helping with the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients. Staying hydrated reduces the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort by promoting regular bowel movements.
Stress management: There is a connection between the gut and the central nervous system (the brain). Chronic stress and anxiety can negatively impact the balance of the gut, resulting in inflammation and damage to the intestinal barrier. Things such as mindfulness and getting adequate sleep can better promote a healthier mental state and mitigate harmful effects to the gut.
Probiotics: Various microorganisms reside in the intestinal system. When consumed in correct quantities, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help the balance of the gut microbiota. Probiotics consist of live bacteria that help aid digestion, absorption of nutrients, and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Prebiotics: As mentioned above, good bacteria is vital in supporting a healthy gut. Prebiotics are nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics help the growth of good bacteria, which acts as a source of energy for probiotics.
Eating a balanced diet: Making intentional choices when it comes to food, and consuming foods that you enjoy and that agree with you is vital when trying to eat a balanced diet. Foods high in fiber, lean meats, leafy greens, and yogurt are all great options to help support the gut.
Lemon Lime Culture Pop Probiotic Soda
Lemon Lime Culture Pop Probiotic Soda stands out as a great choice for gut health due to its unique combination of refreshing flavors and the added benefit of probiotics. The inclusion of probiotics in this soda not only offers a tasty experience but also provides a convenient way to introduce these beneficial microorganisms into the digestive system.
Forager Project Probiotic Cashewmilk Yogurt
Forager Project's Probiotic Cashewmilk Yogurt stands out as a gut health powerhouse. Made from organic cashews, it not only offers a creamy and delicious dairy-free alternative, but also packs in a ton of probiotics, helping aid immune function, digestion, and nutrient absorption.
GT's Synergy Multi-Green Kombucha
GT's Synergy Multi-Green Kombucha is a great choice for gut health due to its unique combination of fermented tea and a blend of nutrient-rich greens. The fermentation process creates organic acids, which help regulate the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Additionally, the infusion of green superfoods enhance the drink with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contributing to overall gut wellbeing.
That's It Mango Probiotic Fruit Bar
That's It mango Probiotic Fruit Bar is a delicious and convenient snack that not only satisfies your taste buds but also promotes gut health. Packed with mango and probiotics, this fruit bar doubles with flavor and digestive benefits.
MUSH Vanilla bean Overnight Oats
Packed with oats, a rich source of prebiotic fibers, MUSH Vanilla Bean Overnight Oats makes a convenient option serving as a nourishing meal for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. The combination of fiber and probiotics in these overnight oats supports a balanced and thriving gut microbiota. Our tip - add a little unflavored protein powder for blood sugar balance and a more complete meal.
Resources
Creamy Gut-Boosting Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A nourishing and flavorful broccoli cheddar soup made with gut-friendly ingredients, including broccoli, cheddar cheese, and bone broth. This comforting soup is packed with nutrients, fiber, and probiotics, promoting a healthy digestive system. Perfect for chilly days or as a light dinner option. (makes about 4 servings)
Ingredients:
2 cups organic broccoli florets
1 small organic onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth
1 cup whole grass-fed organic milk
1 cup shredded grass-fed organic cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grass-fed organic greek yogurt
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Pour in the bone broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth.
Return the soup to low heat and stir in the milk, cheddar cheese, yogurt, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through.
Serve hot and enjoy the goodness of this gut-boosting broccoli cheddar soup!
As always, when shopping for gut friendly foods, the Trash Panda app is your friend. Be sure to scan your products to ensure they don't have any gut harming ingredients!
Reading ingredients made easy. For quicker, healthier decisions.
Start Scanning (it's free)
