The Importance of Gut Health

This post is sponsored by Renew Life Canada. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label. Opinions expressed are honest and my own, you may have a different experience.

The holidays can take it’s toll on our bodies. It’s safe to say that most of us tend to indulge during the weeks leading up to Christmas, between holiday parties, pot-lucks, desserts, and maybe a few extra glasses of wine, it’s hard not to go overboard. Now add on the stress of the season, if you are a mom it’s pretty hard not to get overwhelmed with the gift shopping, holiday cards, gift wrapping, baking and so on and so on and so on….the list doesn’t end. 

When I was asked to take on the Renew Life 30-day challenge promoting gut health just before the holidays, I knew it was something I should try. I’ve struggled with my gut for years and though I should have, I’ve never taken and proactive measures before. With the holiday treats and stress just weeks ahead, I decided to take the challenge that included tracking your exercise, eating right and probiotics.

My 30-Day challenge kit came with a bottle of Renew Life Ultimate Flora Critical Care probiotic, The Keto Diet recipe book by Leanne Vogel, and a Leaf by Bellabeat that tracks your steps, water intake, sleep and more.

What Are Probiotics

Probiotics are friendly, beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and are a very important part of a healthy digestive system. Probiotics support the immune system, balance the intestinal environment, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms. Further, the beneficial bacteria help the body to produce vitamins, digest foods and control the overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungi.

Dr. Sara Celik provided some really helpful tips to use throughout the 30 day challenge. Some of my favourites were

• Take 10 deep belly breaths before starting your day. This will help your body relax and can make you feel more grounded.
• Take a power walk as soon as you are finished lunch or dinner. Movement after a meal may help with digestion and weight loss.
• If you already use oils, rub 2 drops of lavender oil on your temples to help calm your mind and relax before bed.\
• Add fibre to every breakfast, consider chia seeds, flax seeds, oatmeal or fruit.

What did I learn from the 30-Day Challenge?

I used the Bellabeat fitness tracker for a few days, but quickly I could tell that it was inconsistent with results and ended up not using it for the rest of the month. It’s really pretty as far as fitness trackers go and I love that it can be worn in different ways, but that’s also where I found the inconsistency. Results were way different based on similar days depending on where I wore the Bellabeat, especially high when worn on my wrist and considerably lower around my neck. 

Regardless, I could tell that my step count was not even close where it should be or where I would like it to be. Because I work from home and I’m usually at my desk, I’m just not getting the activity I need daily in. This is definitely a goal of mine going forward. Get moving, more often!!

I started preparing for the holidays earlier than usual this year and while at first it seemed like maybe it was too early, I quickly recalled how the holidays sneak up on you. I worked hard at keeping a nice balance of work and relaxing with the family and steadily plugged away at all the holiday chores. With Christmas less than two weeks away, I still have some baking, wrapping and a small amount of shopping to do, but I would say that this is the least stressful holiday I’ve experienced in a long time. I really felt like I stayed on top of things and starting early was definitely the right move. 

I had heard of probiotics before but I’m not one to take pills so I have always disregarded them. Since I was given a 30 day supply of Renew Life Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 billion probiotics, I tried hard to remember to take one each day. There were definitely a few days missed, but mostly I kept it up and felt better for it. Like I mentioned, I’ve struggled with my gut health for years and it can be quite painful and embarrassing. I truly felt like the probiotics kept my gut in check and I had no problems the entire month I used them. I was completely skeptical of probiotics before starting the challenge and can honestly say that I was impressed with them, felt better while taking them and will continue to purchase them going forward. 

Aside from probiotics I learned that there are other ways to improve your gut health too. 

Drink plenty of water
Limit the amount of sugar, alcohol and caffeine you consume
Have plants in your home and spend time with pets, both species have their own unique microbiomes and studies indicate that a healthy microbiome is a diverse one.

Visit the Renew Life Canada website for more information about this product and others. 

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