As the new year unfolds, it is common for many of us to adopt a new health regime or undergo a ‘detox’ to cleanse the body, pushing aside the excesses of the holiday period and starting the new year afresh. The end goal of your detox might be to lose weight, gain more energy, banish brain fog, clear up your skin, improve your mood or balance hormones.

If you are struggling with your New Year detox plans – despite your best intentions, it could be your gut function holding you back. While traditionally, we think of the liver as a key detox organ, the gut is an important ally when it comes to the elimination of chemicals, toxins, and hormones. 

Our gut is the gateway between the outside world and our internal body. All our food, liquids, supplements, prescription medication and even chemicals in the environment are processed and excreted by the digestive system and other elimination organs, including the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system and skin. 

So, how does our gut function affect our natural detoxification potential?

• Slow transit time: A sluggish gut means that toxins, hormones and metabolic waste is not eliminated effectively, providing an opportunity to recirculate in the body and cause further damage. 

• Gut permeability or ‘leaky gut’ allows toxins to enter the bloodstream further increasing the burden on our natural detoxification systems, and may contribute to body wide inflammation, food intolerances and immune system dysregulation.

• Nutrient Absorption: An inflamed, disturbed gut can impair nutrient absorption, reducing the availability of essential vitamins and minerals for every day bodily functions, including detoxification. 

• Bacterial toxins: The bacteria that reside in the gut also produce chemical compounds. Many of these compounds are beneficial for our health, however there are other substances that may be harmful, inflammatory, and even toxic. When there are imbalances in the gut flora, particularly an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria, the toxic load on the body increases.

• Metabolism and weight management: The composition of our gut microbiome and digestive function can influence metabolism, including the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and conversion of food into energy. 

SUPPORTING YOUR BODY’S NATURAL CLEANSING ABILITY 

Detoxification is a natural process that occurs via the body’s own cleansing mechanisms to eliminate toxins accumulated from environmental factors, poor diet, and stress.

Here are seven essential pillars for optimal gut health and supercharging your detoxification potential;

1. Eat real food: Fuel your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods; the less processed a food is and closer to its natural form - the better. Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, plant-based protein sources, and fibre-rich foods. Variety will provide essential nutrients for detoxification and support a diverse and healthy microbiome.

2. Feed your gut bugs with prebiotics: Prebiotics are like fertilisers for your gut ecosystem. Different strains of gut bacteria prefer certain types of prebiotic fibres to fuel their growth. Consuming a variety of prebiotic fibres daily supports a diverse gut microbiome. Foods rich in prebiotic fibres include garlic, onions, leeks, unripe bananas, and asparagus.

3. Enjoy probiotic-like fermented foods: Consider incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your daily routine. Targeted strain-specific probiotic supplements can also be beneficial, especially post antibiotics, viral infections or to provide relief from other functional gut disorders such as IBS.

4. Keep well hydrated: Adequate hydration is fundamental for gut function. Water supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and the elimination of waste. Add herbal teas to your routine to contribute to your fluid intake.

5. Savour your meals: Slow down and chew your food! Mindful eating enhances digestion and reduces stress. Make mealtimes free of other distractions such as technology, and relax and enjoy the sensory experience of food.

6. Herbal and nutrient support for gut healing: therapeutic herbs like slippery elm, aloe vera, curcumin, marshmallow root, and liquorice are known for their soothing effects on the digestive tract and beneficial effect in healing an inflamed gut. Nutrients such as zinc, L-glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids are also important for healthy gut barrier function.

7. Daily movement: Activities like yoga, brisk walking, and breathing exercises can enhance circulation, improve gut function and reduce stress.

Our Naturopath, Michelle, is here to support you in your new year health goals! 

Michelle has a special interest in gut, skin, anxiety and women’s hormonal health. She has recently completed practitioner certification training with world-leading probiotic researcher, clinical naturopath and educator Dr Jason Hawrelak at the Microbiome Restoration Centre. The training allows Michelle to incorporate up-to-date, evidence-based approaches to functional gut disorders and microbiome analysis and modification. 

Michelle will work with you to develop a personalised plan to restore your gut health as the foundation to build a healthier, happier you in the coming year. A healthy gut will support a detox regime that cleanses your body and nourishes your gut for longer-term health. 

Michelle is in clinic on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

KEY SIGNS YOUR GUT MAY BE UNHAPPY

Digestive Discomfort: Bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea or nausea.

Food Intolerances: If certain foods trigger symptoms such as digestive issues, headaches or skin inflammation, it could be a sign of a comprised gut barrier and function. 

Low Energy Levels: A compromised gut may hinder nutrient absorption, leading to fatigue and low energy levels.

Mood Swings: the gut microbiome can negatively impact your mood via the gut-brain axis and contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression.

Hormonal imbalances: Gut bacteria actively participate in the metabolism of hormones, transforming them into forms that the body can eliminate more efficiently. A slow-moving gut and disrupted microbiome may impair this detoxifying process, allowing hormones and hormone-disrupting toxins to linger in the body.