GUT HEALTH! Get in the know ?

Published by Bridgitte Longshore & Kim Carrigan on 11th Apr 2025

If you are alive today and reading this, then there is a high probability that you are in need of gut support!

If you're looking for a good pre & probiotic, a gut repair supplement or some tasty, gut friendly granola- we've got it!

AND

Did you know that quality cacao can transform your digestion, mood and may even help prevent metabolic syndrome? PLUS

The 10 minute lymphatic workout we love

You may have noticed that 'gut health' is all the rage - and for VERY good reason. In this week's newsletter we'll shed some light on this important topic and share the deets about a few of the supplements and food we've recently brought on board to help you and your gut repair and thrive.

Gut health issues have become increasingly common in North America, and several factors might explain this trend. Even if you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, there are many factors which are out of our control, such as exposure to pesticides and chemicals in our water and food (even if it's 'organic'), and the air we breathe (just look up at all the 'stripes' in the sky and the ensuing haze…). Processes have changes in regards to how food is produced (industrial farming and genetic modification), which 'may' have a negative impact on our health. Studies suggest these factors 'could' harm gut flora, but common sense tells us that these are certainly contributing factor. BOO!!

Stress is a major contributor to an unhealthy gut. Our lifestyles tend to be fast-paced, with long work hours and constant connectivity, which can throw off the gut-brain connection. Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol that can mess with digestion and gut permeability, referred to as "leaky gut."

The modern diet, which includes eating processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives and preservatives, disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to issues such as bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammation. Low fiber intake is another issue—many people don't eat enough fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, which are essential for feeding beneficial gut microbes and keeping digestion smooth.

Overuse of medications like antibiotics, which, while lifesaving, can wipe out both harmful and helpful bacteria in the gut if used too often or unnecessarily. Painkillers like NSAIDs, commonly taken for headaches or injuries, can also irritate the gut lining over time. Vaccines and other jabby things have also been proven to destroy essential gut bacteria…. and we all know what's gone on in the last 5 years.

An unhealthy gut can manifest through a variety of signs and symptoms. Here are some common indicators:

1. Digestive Issues:

- Bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort, especially after eating.

- Frequent diarrhea, constipation, or irregular bowel movements.

- Acid reflux or heartburn.

2. Food Intolerances:

- Difficulty digesting certain foods (e.g., dairy, gluten), leading to discomfort or symptoms like nausea and gut 'gurgling'.

3. Fatigue and Low Energy:

- If you wake up tired after 8 hours of sleep, your gut might be hoarding energy and you may suffer from poor nutrient absorption.

4. Skin Problems:

- Acne, eczema, rosacea, or rashes, your gut isn't just causing chaos inside—it's showing up on your skin too as gut health is linked to skin conditions via the gut-skin axis.

5. Mood Changes, Brain Fog, Anxiety or Depression:

- Walking into rooms and forgetting why? Classic gut-brain miscommunication.

- Suffering from anxiety, depression, or irritability? The gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin (the gut-brain connection) so…. Your gut and brain are BFFs—if one's unhappy, the other gets the memo.

6. Unexplained Weight Changes:

- If your jeans fit one week and betray you the next, your gut might be the culprit. Gaining or losing weight without changes in diet or exercise? Gut dysbiosis is potentially to blame as it's linked to metabolism and gut bacteria.

7. Frequent Infections or Weak Immunity:

- If you catch more colds than your WiFi drops, blame your gut.

- Allergies & sensitivities- Overreacting to everything? Your gut might be the drama, as a large portion of the immune system resides in the gut.

- Autoimmune Conditions- When your immune system can't tell friend from foe, your gut could be the mastermind.

8. Bad Breath or Body Odour:

- Persistent halitosis or unusual odours can be linked to gut dysbiosis.

9. Cravings for Sugar or Processed Foods:

- Those gut bacteria are basically tiny sugar gremlins whispering, "Eat the cake. Strong urges for unhealthy foods may possibly be driven by an overgrowth of certain gut bacteria.

10. Sleep Disturbances:

- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, potentially due to gut inflammation affecting hormone regulation.

11. Metabolic Syndrome

- A cluster of health issues — extra belly fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and cholesterol levels - when working together, they raise the risk of serious problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Bottom line: A healthy gut can prevent a plethora of health issues, so please take special care and treat your gut right — because when it's happy, everything else has a much better chance of falling into place.

Think of your gut as the command centre for your overall health.

If your digestion is sluggish, your mood is moodier than a toddler who skipped nap time, or your energy levels resemble a phone stuck at 5% battery, your gut might be screaming for help. If this describes you, it may be the time to visit your fave ND, or make those dietary and lifestyle changes you've talked about for years. We're certainly not doctors, but when in doubt, and after doing your own research, seeking wise counsel is ALWAYS a good idea!

But don't worry (see above what stress can do) — we've got some delicious solutions (that don't involve giving up chocolate), plus some high quality probiotics and gut health support from Canadian companies that may fast forward you back to health!

Let's Meet Some of Your Gut's Unexpected BFFs:

1. Giddy Yo Cacao

2. Gut Health Supplements

3. Gut Friendly Granola

4. Clean Bodycare

(discussed at a later date, but trust us)

Let's begin with Giddy Yo Cacao

Why Cacao can be a Game-Changer for Your Gut

Your gut isn't just about digesting that kale salad—it plays a HUGE role in nutrient absorption, immune function, and even serotonin and dopamine production (hello, happy hormones!).

Cacao: A Prebiotic Powerhouse

Cacao, a fermented food, is loaded with fibre and polyphenols, which feed the good bacteria in your gut and keep the bad guys in check.

Science Says: A study found that consuming cacao drinks containing high levels of flavanols increased good gut bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while decreasing harmful strains. Translation? Sipping on or eating some Giddy Yo cacao and dark chocolate may help balance your microbiome for smoother digestion.

Cacao & The Gut-Brain Axis: Mood Boosting Benefits

Cacao contains theobromine, anandimide, and phenylethylamine (PEA), which has been shown to stimulate brain activity and boost serotonin levels. Eating cacao may also enhance Gut-Brain Communication – since the gut and brain are connected, a happy gut means better mood stability and reduced stress

Science Says: Eating 85% dark chocolate daily significantly reduced negative emotions in adults. Even cooler - those mood boosts were linked to gut bacteria changes. Eating cacao increased blautia obeum, a gut microbe that produces butyrate—a compound with antidepressant-like effects, and has also been shown to nourish the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and support digestion.

Together with Giddy Yo CACAO and the BODYCARE products we offer, these supplements (and granola) are a beautiful ally to help heal the gut, build a thriving microbiome, balance hormones, improve metabolic heath and mood—naturally!

Collect them Points! In case you missed it, when you shop with Giddy Yo AND you've created and logged into your account, you'll automatically collect points!

Be sure to share this newsletter with your 'GUTSY' friends and family and don't forget to add us to your safe sender list!

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