Many of us hear the word “transformation” and may often think of it as “body” transformation. There are many programs, fitness challenges and promotions that claim to lead to “body transformation”. However, the beginning of body transformation may begin in the gut and with gut health.

It is an age-old adage that we lose weight by energy in/energy out…burn more than you take in. This is true in some respects but may not be sustainable in the long term if you do not have good bacteria in your gut and if your digestive system is not efficiently utilizing the food consumed. You cannot out exercise an unhealthy diet and you cannot maintain weight loss if your systems are not in balance.

Our digestive systems are home to hundreds of different bacterial species that keep our intestinal linings healthy, break down our food, and regulate our immune response. Studies have proven that by controlling the immune response, supplemental probiotics can help prevent and treat irregularities and decrease inflammation caused by diet and stress – whether it is from life or even exercise.

Many exercise enthusiasts talk about eating a certain way or not eating a certain way as the key to the beginning of transformation. They may even talk about intermittent fasting, ketogenesis, gluten free, non-GMO, organic, low carb, low fat, high fat, low protein, etc…. However, if you do not provide your body with the proper nutrients it results in “plumbing problems”. We are all familiar with nausea, stomach cramps, a bloating feeling and further issues of irregular digestive issues.

Not surprisingly, diet and lifestyle play a key role in keeping our intestines running smoothly. Common culprits that can wreak havoc on our GI tracts are:

Not eating enough fruit, vegetables, and/or dietary fiber in general

Food intolerances (such as a gluten or dairy intolerance, sugar)

Taking antibiotics

A stressful lifestyle (including life events, relationships, finances, travel, even intense regular exercise)

Did you know you are born with about 1000 known species of microorganisms? It is a very complex microbial ecosystem that is essential to the maintenance of our health. Good bacteria, aka probiotics, interact with the cells on our intestinal lining and affect our immune cells. When good bugs outnumber the “bad” bugs (toxins) we have a smooth-running digestive system. What are some things that alter our gut microbial?

Genetics

Overall state of our immune system

Diet

Exercise

Stress

If you notice signs of an unhealthy digestive system and find that it is also challenging to lose weight, sleep well, you lack energy and seem unstable emotionally…it may well be from your digestive system being out of whack.

I firmly believe in eating mindfully and exercising, but I have also learned through years of studying nutrition and fitness that you must be healthy from the inside out.