The RD Digest Debut
Welcome to The RD Digest - your go-to source for digestible, bite-sized information on how to best support your gut and digestive health and nourish your overall well being with food and lifestyle choices.
Many of the topics discussed will revolve around digestive health, such as gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, constipation, acid reflux, etc) or conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
However, even if you consider your digestion to be functioning well, this blog is still for you!
The topic of “gut health” truly applies to everyone, not just those with GI conditions. “Gut health” has become a buzzword over the past few years with many products, supplements, and diets popping up with claims to support gut health. One key goal of this blog is to explain clearly what “gut health” means and break down these trends and bold claims that can be confusing, and honestly very expensive.
So let’s start with that: what is gut health?
Gut health is a general term that refers to the health of your digestive tract
It more specifically refers to the health of a community of bacteria that live in your digestive tract that have many jobs and functions that support the health of your body
This community of bacteria is more scientifically referred to as the “gut microbiota” and the overall system as the “gut microbiome”
How about this question: why should I care about gut health?
Supporting digestion ensures that your body is breaking down and absorbing all the necessary nutrients (carbs, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, etc) to keep you alive and well
The bacteria in your microbiome have very important roles, such as lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, strengthening your immune system, supporting your metabolism, and the list goes on..
Your digestive system contains about 70% of your immune system
Research has shown a connection between the health of your gut and your mental health
The amazing thing about gut health is that it can be influenced and modified through the food and lifestyle choices you make! It’s one of the best wayxs to take control of your health, and this blog is here to teach you how.
So keep an eye out for the next blog post and feel free to share your feedback or suggest topics for future discussions. Don’t forget to share this blog with someone who could benefit from joining this gut health community!
Thinking of working with a gut health dietitian? Complete the form below for a free 15 minute consultation.
