In our gut/colon – the tract from our mouth to anus – we have a symbiotic relationship with microbes that must be maintained to be healthy.  The microbe balance is affected by foods, thoughts, and activity.

Our body is constantly telling a story of how we are interacting with life.

I saw a 5-year-old recently who had just witnessed a cocoon transforming into a beautiful butterfly.  The look of wonder, awe and excitement was priceless.  The experience inspired me, and I wanted to encourage you of the wonder and awe that surrounds us and is in us every day.  What’s right with us is able to take care of what is wrong with us.  The Creator is in the creation.  The Producer is in the product.  We get to be cocreators of our world.  We get to steward the holy temple our spirit inhabits.

These things can all alter our microbiome:

  1. Foods that are processed, full of artificial chemicals for color, flavor, and preservation
  2. Stress and negative thoughts
  3. Physical inactivity

This matters to you because 80% of your immune system neurotransmitters are from the colon.  An imbalance of the microbiome is a generator of inflammation and allergies.

Did you know the quality and quantity of your poo can be an insight into your microbiome? Is it floating or sinking? What is the color? Is it fatty, pasty, etc.?  Your skin can also be a good barometer of colon health – do you have dark circles under your eyes or acne?  Your mood, attitude, energy, and nervous system can also reflect your colon health.  Did you know your food cravings can indicate an imbalance? Often without realizing, we are feeding the cravings of an imbalanced microbiome.  Keeping a food diary can reveal trends you aren’t aware of and help you reflect on what preceded the symptom.  Add low glycemic foods to your diet like vegetables. They are full of fiber and do not dramatically spike insulin or blood sugar.

Prosynbiotic by Standard Process is both a probiotic and a prebiotic.  Prebiotics create the conditions so that probiotics can be established and thrive to balance the microbiome.  We have 10 probiotic/intestinal health products in our office to cover the many unique conditions people have.

Other ways to improve your digestion include sitting down to eat, chewing more slowly and completely, and praying before your meal to change your state of mind.  I encourage you to find ways that bring your calmness like taking a walk and talking things out with someone. You are “what” and “how” you eat!