L I S T E N T O Y O U R G U T How Gut Bacteria Can Improve Aging
as they are for your waistline. Instead, add plenty of vegetables and fiber-rich foods, like beans, broccoli and artichokes to your diet. You also need
Bacteria get a bad rap. Sure, bacteria can cause meat to rot and spread infectious diseases like strep throat and E. coli, but certain types of bacteria are necessary to keep your body healthy. This is especially true of the bacteria in your gut. Gut health is a topic more people are starting to think about. Inside your gastrointestinal tract is an entire ecosystem full of bacteria, fungi and a few viruses. This sounds like a gross mess, but maintaining a healthy gut will support your immune system, turn the food you eat into energy, filter out foreign toxins and help your brain produce serotonin, the so-called “happy” hormone. Good gut health is very important in seniors. Researchers at the Lawson Health Research Institute of Western University in Ontario, Canada, in collaboration with the Tianyi Health Science Institute in Zhenjiang, China, found that older adults who were in good health have the same bacteria in their guts as healthy 30-somethings. If you want to feel great well into your golden years, make your gut a priority. How Can I Improve the Health of My Gut? The best way to maintain a healthy gut is to be mindful of the food you’re eating. Junk foods and alcohol are as bad for your gut
to make probiotics a priority. Plain Greek yogurt is great for your gut, and you can add some fresh fruit
for flavor and vitamins. Kombucha, a type of fermented tea, is also a good choice. Just be sure you are drinking enough water too. In addition to your diet, the state of your gut can also be influenced by lifestyle habits. Do what you can to get enough sleep and learn how to best manage stress. Certain antibiotics can also wipe out the healthy bacteria in your gut. If you get a prescription for antibiotics, be sure to ask your doctor how you can take care of your gut health while taking the medication. Maintaining your gut health can be a real balancing act, but once you get the hang of it, your body and your gut will thank you. TESTIMONIALS At October Kitchen, our mission is to provide delicious, nourishing meals. In doing so, we hope to help our clients lead healthy and independent lives. Nothing fills our hearts more than knowing we’ve succeeded in our goal when we hear such kind words from our clients. “Love the meals — tuna casserole, chicken pot pie, turkey divan, all delicious. I had gastric bypass surgery and need small meals. These are nutritious, and one serving is two for me. Perfect to pop in the microwave. Great job!” –Sharon G. “I’m not sure how we lived without October Kitchen before this! Highly recommend, even if it is just to have a few quality frozen meals in the freezer. They provide complete nutritional information so you know what you are getting. They also provide delivery — but I like going in to see what extras they have I might enjoy.” –Sharon P. “My husband and I received gift certificates for October Kitchen when we had our baby, and we’ve continued to order. Nutritious, wholesome and delicious meals delivered to our door are a lifesaver! I’d recommend October Kitchen to anyone, young or old. Every meal has been fantastic.” –Jayne C.
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I know that many people who read my newsletter dedicate themselves to helping other people recover and improve their health and I encourage them to be mindful of their own health. We all go through rough patches in life where personal issues make facing our responsibilities a struggle. There is no shame in stepping back, seeking support and taking time to get yourself into a healthy state of mind. Reach out to friends and family. Take a break and spend time on hobbies you enjoy that aren’t related to work. Let yourself experience the pain of loss or worry without pretending to be okay. And then give that pain the time it needs to pass. No one wants to feel heartbreak or anger or loneliness. When we experience emotional distress, it can be tempting to push it away and focus on other things because you just want to feel okay again. But nothing lasts forever and if you allow yourself the right amount of time to heal emotionally, you’ll get the best results in the long run.
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