I Started Eating For My Gut Health & Here's How My Life Changed

Learning to eat for my gut health has been a long road, filled with welcome changes that were easy to institute, some that I was reluctant about, and a few that I was forced to make, kicking and screaming all the way. Over the years I've gone grain-free, cut out dairy permanently, and invested in my fair share of fermented foods. I've taken probiotics, worked on lowering my stress levels, sipped on apple cider vinegar twice a day, and even did a fasting-mimicking diet for five days. And this is just the short list!

I've been sensitive to dairy for as long as I can remember, so the first dietary change I made in honor of my gut health was cutting out all milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream (I think you get the gist). I actually made this decision based on the recommendation of my surprisingly progressive South Carolina pulmonologist, who always suggested that I cut out dairy and eggs when I had a respiratory infection. I figured if I was doing it when I was sick to get healthy more quickly, maybe it would help me stay healthy, too.

Despite making dozens of dietary and lifestyle changes in honor of my gut health, I—like many people in wellness—was bloated more often than I wanted to be. I always figured it was stress, and while this does play a role, it was raw foods that were really the culprit.

The connection between gut health and mental health is hard to ignore. In fact, out of all the supplements, Dr. Aparna Iyer—an integrative psychiatrist—is most likely to recommend a probiotic. Understanding the connections between gut health and the microbiome, inflammation, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression are so important for eating food to feel your best. For example, did you know that studies have already shown that sugar consumption is linked to an increased risk of depression? It's true, and it's something we should all be more aware of.

This gut-brain connection is something I've experienced firsthand, and it's a major reason I continue to maintain a gut-friendly lifestyle despite its challenges (i.e., missing out on mac and cheese). When my lifestyle is in a good place—meaning I'm eating nourishing foods and staying away from caffeine, alcohol, dairy, simple carbs, and added sugars—I'm able to take things in stride and handle everyday life stressors with more ease. When I get off track, my mental health takes a hit, and it reminds me to show my gut a little extra attention.

It's important to keep in mind that eating for optimal gut health doesn't mean the same thing for everyone. What worked for me might not be the best choice (or even a good choice at all) for you. Always talk to your doctor before you make any drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle and keep them updated on all of the supplements you're taking.