Yes, food is very important. But EVERYONE’s gut is intricately interconnected with other systems, like your brain and nervous system.

Did one food bother you one day... but then you had no issues with it the next?

It could be coming from something else then. What else was going on?

Stressful day at work? Toddler not letting you sleep? Antibiotics for that urinary tract infection (UTI) you had to take even though you wanted to avoid taking it?

What do you need to maintain lifelong gut health?

1. The right food for microbiome optimization including the 3Ps: prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols.
    
2. Hydration: at least 8 glasses of water a day.
    
3. Movement + exercise: aim for 30 minutes a day. If you don’t move, your gut doesn’t move.
    
4. Gut-brain axis modulation: use mind-body and relaxation techniques to access the vague nerve and balance your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic overdrive shocks your gut. Best to bookend your day with AM + PM routines like a 30-minute morning yoga session + 5-minute evening mindfulness meditation. Calm mind= Calm gut.
    
5. Sleep optimization: get at least 7 hours a night. Consider improving sleep hygiene with a better routine or gut-friendly supplements like melatonin to help.
    
6. Toxin avoidance: from alcohol to antibiotics to red dye# 5 to NSAIDS and everything in between, try to avoid the chemicals, medications, and everything you know that could irritate or cause inflammation.   This is what can increase intestinal permeability, i.e. Leaky Gut Syndrome 
    
7. Nature: connect with the outdoors. Through gardening and growing your own food to Forest bathing. If you are not connected to the amazing force around you, you can lose touch with your most primal self and what you need.  Your spirit can help guide your compass.
    
8. Grow, cook & eat your food together: why is the Mediterranean diet so successful? It’s not only the benefit of the food, but it's also the beneficial social aspects of eating meals together. To connect with your loved ones, to laugh, and to care about one another. To cook for your family and to discuss the tastes and smells and flavors of food. No rushing or staring at a computer - all mindful enjoyment of the meal.