Go with Your Gut

All symptoms of the body – from thin, dull hair and sallow skin, to acne breakouts, body aches and sluggish energy – all point to the gut. If you want to look and feel young, start weaving these key foods into your diet.

Garlic

Better body, better skin

When we have an overgrowth of candida in the gut, we experience things like acne breakouts, bloating and constipation. Garlic kills candida, and aids in digestion and immunity, has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for joint aches, and helps smooth skin and prevent acne and other skin conditions.

Ground Flaxseed

Regularity for good health

Responsible for helping food travel effortlessly and smoothly through the GI tract, flaxseed keeps us regular. Flaxseed also contains cancer fighters called lignans, which also ward off heart disease, and help minimize rashes, skin flare-ups and irritation. When you consume flaxseed, your skin becomes more even-toned and less sensitive.

Apple Cider Vinegar

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

One of the best ways to address digestive issues is to combine a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water or tea and drink it before a meal. It helps your body break down food, and prevents indigestion and stomach issues after eating. Anytime you can aid the digestive process, you’ll notice glowing skin and a youthful radiance.

Celery & Celery Juice

Take an all-natural approach

Another anti-inflammatory and cancer fighter, celery also lowers blood pressure and curbs sugar cravings. The natural salts in celery juice maintain a healthy gut pH. Experts recommend drinking 16 ounces on an empty stomach. Improvements to digestion and physical appearance will be evident within 10 days.

Cauliflower

Fiber is a gut’s best friend

High in fiber, cauliflower helps the gut maintain healthy microbes. This is important because when microbes or gut flora are out of whack, a whole slew of symptoms become evident. These include digestive issues, depression or anxiety, and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Fermented Foods

Good bacteria equals a healthy gut

Kimchi is delicious and sauerkraut or pickled vegetables can make for a nice topping to a salad or mid-day snack. These fermented foods are packed with good bacteria, which balances the microbiome, the anchor for our health and immunity.

Asparagus

Plant food makes for the best food

Another prebiotic fiber that keeps the gut healthy and balanced is asparagus. Add garlic to it and broil it in the oven, offering a one-two punch of gut-friendly foods in one delicious side dish. It’s important to note that people who suffer from stomach pain may not do well with prebiotics. If the gut is already inflamed, these foods can cause a flare-up.

By // Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O.

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