No matter what diet or lifestyle you choose, gut health is important for everyone. Poor gut health can lead to a multitude of adverse health problems. Thankfully, it is very easy to restore healthy gut flora through diet and the proper gut health supplements. This post will address how to improve gut health naturally.
This post is sponsored by my friends at Further Food. All opinions are original. Consult a physician before beginning any vitamin or supplement regimen.
What is gut health?
Our guts are like a brain for our immune system. Our bodies are covered, inside and out, in bacteria and viruses all day every day.
This is actually a good thing!
Together, they form the gut microbiome. The microbiome work together to help our digestion, immune system, and nutrition.
Maintaining the good bacteria in our guts is a vital key to our overall wellness.
Why is gut health important?
Our gut microbiome is like the factory for our immune system. It contains the good bacteria that our cells need to ward off infections, viruses, etc.
If we do not maintain our good bacteria, we are more prone to things like colds, the flu, and may even suffer from more serious auto-immune diseases. This is because the bad bacteria in our body take over like a big bad bully!
Even things like disinfectants, sanitizers, and household cleaners eliminate the good bacteria that our gut needs!
What is immune support?
Our immune system is a very complex machine. Similar to feeding starter for homemade bread, we need to feed our gut good bacteria. How do we do that?
Unlike bread starter, sugar is not the answer!
Most people understand that our immune system is what protects us from getting sick. Remember white blood cells and T cells from high school biology?
Along with proper nutrition (eliminating refined sugar, eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing fiber) and exercise, we can support our immune system with [gut health] supplements.
What is the difference between a vitamin and a supplement?
If food is medicine, natural living is the supplement. They go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly.
But how do we distinguish between vitamins and supplements? How do you know what to look for in a supplement? Let’s break it down.
Vitamins
Vitamins are naturally occurring in fruits, vegetables, plants, etc. Think vitamin C, vitamin A, b12. Our body does not create vitamins. We must consume them. They are a type of supplement.
Supplements
Like the word implies, supplements supplement our diet. According to Dr. Sara Gottfried, “Supplements are any product that adds nutritional value to your diet or augments health”.
For example, collagen is a supplement that we can take to aid in gut health!
Can you take gut health supplements on keto?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s highly recommended to take gut health supplements no matter what diet or lifestyle you choose to live.
Actually, there is some science to suggest that keto is not good for our gut health. Because keto is low in fruits and reduces vegetable consumption, it also reduces absorption of necessary vitamins, minerals, and bacteria that our gut needs to function properly. Here is an interesting study to start your research.
What gut health supplements can you take to improve your gut health naturally?
There are many ways to feed your gut and support it naturally. You can eat fermented foods, eliminate sugar consumption, or incorporate daily supplements like collagen peptides or matcha.
My beloved brand of wellness supplements, Further Food, has just launched a new Matcha Collagen Peptide that is exactly the type of thing you want to keep a happy healthy gut!
The Further Food Matcha Collagen Peptides are a blend of unflavored collagen peptides, organic matcha, and cordyceps mushrooms.
- Collagen peptides supports healthy hair, skin nails, gut, bones, and even eyes
- Matcha is a natural source of caffeine and is known to improve focus and provide sustained energy
- Cordyceps mushrooms are an ancient Chinese herbal remedy used for energy and endurance
The matcha collagen is unsweetened, dairy free, and gluten free. Because this matcha collagen is completely sugar free, you can rest assured you’re not feeding the bad gut bacteria.
What is matcha and what does it taste like?
Matcha comes from the same plant as green tea so it has the same flavor profile. On it’s own, matcha has an earthy but slightly sweet taste. It’s truly a unique umami flavor that can be hard to put into words!
Matcha is a natural source of caffeine and L-theanine. This amino acid is known to be a natural stress reliever and anxiety reducer.
How to use Further Food Matcha Collagen
Like their other collagens, the matcha collagen can be used a variety of ways. You can make matcha lattes, add a scoop to your favorite brownie batter, or try one of the suggested recipes on the Further Food website.
As a new homeschooling mom, I’m constantly looking for ways to help my. kids stay focused on their studies. The matcha collagen is perfect for that!
I’m going to show you how to use the Further Food Matcha Collagen to make a summer smoothie that your kids will enjoy!
What is in this immune supporting Matcha Collagen Smoothie?
There are only 4 ingredients needed to make this healthy summer smoothie:
- Frozen strawberries– folic acid, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, adds flavor
- Frozen blueberries– antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, adds flavor
- Further Food Matcha Collagen– supports gut health naturally, adds taste, natural source of caffeine
- Honey– naturally sweetens and feeds good gut bacteria. Even though it is higher in glucose, honey actually helps defeat the bad microflora in your gut. In fact, honey is known to feed the good bacteria! Here is a great scientific research journal for more information.
What does this smoothie taste like?
This immune supporting smoothie is clean, sweet, and fruity! There is a hint of green and notes of honey on the aftertaste that are nice and refreshing.
Save 15% off Further Food Matcha Collagen with code KETOINPEARLS
Immune Supporting Matcha Collagen Smoothie
Ingredients
- 8 ounces frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 3 scoops Further Food Matcha Collagen Peptides
- 2 cups water or oat milk, almond milk, etc
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender and pulse until smooth. Scrape side with a rubber spatula if needed and pulse again.