We’ll share some ideas on how to promote gut health after getting sick. Please note that this is not medical advice and please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or nutrition.
Hello friends! How is it this week? I hope you have a wonderful day. Things got a little weird here. The pilot got sick when we got home from Orlando and has been in bed with a fever for a week. Liv collapsed this morning, so P and I are still standing and taking all our vitamins and stuff. It’s definitely “sick season” in Tucson – so many people are getting sick – so I thought it was a good time to make this post. Restores intestinal health after gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis can be the worst. This is a viral or bacterial infection of the digestive system that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. Although this is a very common disease and recovery is often quick, you may be wondering what you can do about your gut health after recovery.
In today’s post, I’d like to share some tips on how to support your digestive system, replenish lost nutrients, and reduce inflammation for a smooth recovery. 🙂
*This is not medical advice. Be sure to consult your doctor. We’ll share some of the things that worked for us here. *
How to restore intestinal health after gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis can disrupt the balance of your gut flora (the collection of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system) and deplete your body of nutrients and electrolytes. When you are sick, you deplete your reserves and then feel drained.
Today’s post takes a deep dive into understanding gut health, why it’s important, and actionable steps to restore balance.
What is gut health?
Gut health involves the balance and function of the bacteria and microorganisms that live within your digestive tract. This amazing little ecosystem (also known as the gut microbiome) plays an important role in maintaining your overall health. A healthy gut helps you effectively digest food, absorb important nutrients, produce essential vitamins, and also helps communicate with your brain via the gut-brain axis.
The gut also has a huge impact on the immune system. Approximately 70% of immune cells reside in the gut, where they help fight pathogens and regulate inflammation in the body. When your gut is balanced, you will feel more energized, more focused, and more resilient. However, when it is out of balance, it can cause problems such as swelling, fatigue, weakened immunity, and even mood changes.
After getting sick, rebalancing the gut’s delicate balance can impact your full recovery, mood, and immune system. Replenishing your body with beneficial bacteria helps rebuild your gut’s protective barrier, improves digestion, and strengthens your immune system to prevent further illness. Incorporating probiotic supplements and fermented foods (like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut) can help repopulate your gut with the beneficial bacteria you need.
Reducing inflammation is also an important step in recovery. A stomach cold can cause your digestive tract to become inflamed and sensitive. So focus on bland, easy-to-digest foods and stay hydrated to soothe your stomach. Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, aloe juice, and plain chicken soup are good for your gut and provide essential nutrients without adding extra burden.
A kind reminder that your digestive system needs time and support to heal. It’s important to rest, stay hydrated, and slowly reintroduce nutrient-dense foods. These steps will help restore your gut flora, replenish lost electrolytes, and rebuild the strength of your immune system.
How to improve gut health after gastroenteritis
1. Stay hydrated and replace lost electrolytes
When you are sick, your nutrients and electrolytes are depleted. My favorite way to stay hydrated is with soups with lemon juice, water, herbal teas, hydrogen water, and electrolytes.
Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks as they can irritate the digestive system. When we’re in the mood for soda, we all love Poppi and Olipop. The lemon lime and ginger ale flavors are gentle and delicious.
2. Gradually reintroduce bland foods
When I feel like eating again, I like to try bland foods like white rice, bananas, applesauce, and crackers (Simple Mills are my favorite), then toast them once the symptoms subside. Random note: green corn tamales are always so comforting to my stomach after I get sick lol.
These foods are easy on your stomach and help your digestive system heal.
I like to avoid jumping into rich, acidic, or sweet foods.
3. Incorporate probiotics into your diet
Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso can help replenish your body with beneficial bacteria. Start small. You don’t have to have a lot to enjoy the benefits. I like to start with 1 tablespoon of sauerkraut and see how my body and stomach react. Mixing miso with soup is also delicious!
Probiotic supplements are also a good option, especially if your gut flora is severely disrupted.
These gelatin gummies are a fun and easy way to support gut health and kids will love them too.
4. Manage your stress levels
Stress also affects gut health and immune system function.
I like to incorporate stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and light yoga to support my recovery. When you don’t feel like doing anything, put on your headphones and listen to binaural beats on Spotify.
5. Get enough rest and sleep
Rest and sleep are essential for the body to heal and reduce inflammation.
It’s always important to listen to your body and prioritize getting enough rest to support your digestive and immune system functions.
6. Slowly reintroduce fibrous and nutritious foods
Fiber supports gut health, but should be consumed gradually to avoid indigestion.
Some of my favorite nutritious options include steamed vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like avocado, coconut oil, and nut butters) that help replenish lost nutrients and restore strength. ) is available. If you’re still feeling a little green but still want to get some nutrition, I like to make a smoothie with almond milk, berries, protein powder, a little coconut oil, and riced cauliflower. Another great combination is pineapple, coconut water, spinach, vanilla protein powder, and chia seeds.
7. Reduce inflammation by avoiding inflammatory foods
Avoid rich foods, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods, as they can irritate the healing intestines.
Instead, choose drinks like ginger tea, vegetable soup, turmeric tea, or bone broth, which soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation. For pantry and immune system essentials (aloe juice, crackers, soup, tea, etc.) I always use: thriving market <— Get 40% off your first purchase when you use our link.
What should I do if I get gastroenteritis or food poisoning? usually take a binder And it seems to help.
A few years ago, my girlfriends and I got very sick the night we used our air fryer for the first time. Now that we know the coating is toxic, it makes perfect sense. I got something new non-toxic air fryer The usability has improved a lot.
Have a great day! See you again soon.
Shit
Gina
