Healthy Gut & Digestion

Did you know that building a strong digestive system can help you fight weight gain, speed up your metabolism, overcome other stomach issues and boost your immune system? This is especially important as we enter the warmer months. In fact, it’s common to suffer from bloating, heartburn and stomach aches in the summer due to dehydration, poor meal preparation or even changes in our diet.

Did you know that building a strong digestive system can help you fight problems like weight gain, slow metabolism, and other stomach issues that might happen during the winter?

The fall season kicks off in September which means it’s the perfect time to curl up with a comforting mug of bone broth. Not only is bone broth delicious, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. Here’s everything you need to know about bone broth and how taking it can lead to better gut health. (So long leaky gut!)

If digestive issues are a concern for you, this is an easy way to protect yourself.

Fix Your Gut Health to Look and Feel Better. What’s your gut feeling? According to mounting evidence, that’s one of the most important questions you can ask yourself when it comes to health. Your gut, after all, is responsible for letting in nutrients and water while keeping out toxins – as long as it’s working properly. Let it start to leak and it’ll allow substances into your bloodstream that shouldn’t be there, causing a host of problems. A healthy gut depends on good bacteria, a solid lining, and a working immune system. Keep topped up on the nutrients below to maintain all three, but to give you a head start on gut bacteria here are five fast fixes.   Push the Button Mushrooms are a fantastic food to help “pad out” meals to make them more filling without adding unnecessary calories – 100g of them contains just 22 calories. And a new study suggests that eating more of the fungus, specifically white button mushrooms, can have a big impact on achieving your weight-loss goal by improving gut health. The research, published in the Journal Of Functional Foods, found these mushrooms work as a pre-biotic, providing nutrients to a certain type of healthy bacteria that plays a significant role in blood glucose management. Having more stable blood sugar levels helps maintain the optimal conditions for your body to burn fat for fuel, and diminishes cravings for high-sugar snacks. Ideally, the researchers suggest, you should eat around 85g of mushrooms a day.   Double Up Apple pectin is a prebiotic – a non-digestible nutrient that encourages the growth of good bacteria – and a Japanese study saw positive changes in two weeks among volunteers who had two apples a day. Granny Smiths are best – crunch away.   Do Cardio A 2017 study from the University of Illinois had surprising results: endurance exercise alone can make positive changes to the gut composition, producing short-chain fatty acids crucial to colon health and energy production.   Get Pickled Fermented foods are what your diet’s missing. When you’re shopping, go for the Ks: kefir, kombucha, and kimchi will all fill your gut with healthy bacteria that promote digestion and help gut health – aim for at least one portion a day.   …And Relax A 2015 study found that yoga and meditation induced genetic changes in the body that aided gut health in volunteers. Too much hassle? At least try to eat stress-free: avoid TV, phones, and awkward conversations.   The Nutrients You Need To Keep Your Gut Healthy   Curcumin The active ingredient in turmeric protects your intestinal walls against the negative effects of a Western diet, helping prevent the proliferation of “bad” bacteria, suggests research published in 2014 by Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Use turmeric in curries, or toss a teaspoonful into rice or scrambled eggs.   Vitamin D Low vitamin D can decrease immune system function and is associated with bowel disorders. Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, but from October until March the sun isn’t strong enough—the NHS estimates that one in five people are deficient. It’s easy to supplement: keep a bottle next to the toothpaste, and take it daily. Iron There’s some evidence that lack of iron depletes gut bacteria. A recent rodent study published by the British Journal Of Nutrition suggests extra iron helps, but absorbing it can be a problem. To be on the safe side, stick to sources of heme iron like red meat and eggs, rather than non-heme supplements that mimic the plant variety. Omega 3 According to a 2015 study published in the journal Lipid Research, omega 3 fats work with probiotics to foster “friendly” bacteria in your gut. The researchers used (and recommended) fish oils: supplement with a pill a day, taken with food. Flax and chia seeds, walnuts, olives, and coconut are also good sources, though less research on them exists.   Flavonoids Along with carotenoids, these phytonutrients (found in plants) have high anti-inflammatory gut-based benefits and can reduce your risk of gastric cancer, according to a 2012 study. Cabbage and onions are good sources: cook them in a stew to keep the nutrients in the broth.   Vitamin A It’s used in almost every barrier between your body and the filthy outside world: as well as your gastrointestinal tract, your skin and lungs rely on it. Sweet potato, pak choi, and peppers are all excellent sources: for a top-up hash, cube the potatoes and parboil them for five minutes, then chop up the other veg and pan-fry the lot.   Catechins Technically they’re a sub-category of flavonoid, but they’re worthy of separate consideration since they reduce the amount of Clostridium histolyticum, a pathogenic bacteria, in the gut. Green or white tea is your best source: aim for two or three cups a day. Choline Your body uses it to build the protective mucous membrane that lines your intestinal tract, providing your first line of defense. Get it from shrimp, eggs, and poultry: if you go out on an all-nighter, eroding your gastrointestinal defenses with a booze binge, a turkey frittata the next morning will start to redress the damage. Glutamine There’s some evidence that it can reverse excess “intestinal permeability” – or the much-feared leaky gut syndrome. Supplement companies sell it in L-glutamine format, which coats cell walls and acts as a repellent to irritants. The usual dose is 2-5g, twice a day.   Fiber Technically not a nutrient, but it adds bulk to what’s already going through your intestines, reducing your exposure to potentially dangerous compounds, and helping to regulate pH balance, promoting a better environment for beneficial bacteria. Get more by building your diet around vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds. 

Gastritis is a condition consisting of numerous symptoms; it could be heartburn, pain, indigestion, or too much acid in the stomach, which is the most common symptom. Gastritis or Gastric Ulcers might be severe or long-lasting. In most cases, it could get critical owing to drugs that act on the gastric mucosa, food poisoning, poor nutrition, and other significant factors. If left untreated,  gastritis could turn out to be ulcers, accompanied by continuous pain, constant inflammation, and bleeding, which can become life-threatening. Gastritis has now become very common, with almost 50% of the world population facing gastric problem. It could occur unannounced and leave a long-lasting impact. Diet and gastritis While there is "No" detailed diet that would remove gastritis, there is increasing research that indicates some foods might in fact help improve the existing condition. Researchers have suggested that fatty and salty foods increase the risk of gastritis. Some common symptoms of gastritis are: An upset stomach Nausea Bloating Gas A burning sensation in the stomach Continuous hiccups There's "No One Size That Fits All," thus not all medicines work for you. Accordingly, food intake could also vary. So let's look below at what foods an individual must eat while he or she has gastritis problem. These natural remedies for indigestion are guaranteed to release your tummy illnesses! Foods To Try 1. Best: Fiber-Rich fruits Grapes, pears, oatmeal, and many other juicy fruits that are high in fiber are best for ulcers. Firstly, fiber decreases the amount of acid in the stomach while reducing bloating and discomfort. Secondly, as per the latest studies, fiber fruits are very rich in diet, and it might help prevent ulcers. Red Bell Pepper Red Bell Pepper is high in vitamin C, which could assist in protecting you from ulcers. For one, vitamin C plays a significant part in healing wounds. Individuals who have a vitamin C deficiency are more likely to get ulcers. You can get this nutrient through citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, and a few of the vegetables, too. Broccoli Broccoli is a fantastic vegetable for minimizing the symptoms of gas in the stomach. Broccoli helps in supplying numerous indispensable nutrients but a very few calories. It is readily available and is considered one of the best home remedies to cure gastritis problems. It is a highly beneficial vegetable, and it can be used in stir-fries, salads, soups, and other preparations. People who eat at least one cup of broccoli sprouts every day for two months are less prone to stomach inflammation as compared to people who don't have it. Ginger Ginger is a known anti-inflammatory agent, and it is rich in antioxidants. It is a dominant ingredient in Chinese medicine. Ginger, in a few doses, can act as an anti-inflammatory in your body. Excess of ginger can, however, worsen the condition. Foods To Avoid Fatty Meat: Avoid meat that has loads of fatty substances. Instead, you could consume lean ground beef, egg whites, skinless chicken breast and lean fish. Vegetables: Avoid fried potatoes and raw onions. Add peas, baked potatoes, broccoli, green beans, and vegetable soups in your diet. Fruits: Fruits such as Kumquats, lemon, tomatoes, cranberry juice, lemonade, and grapefruit juice should be highly avoided due to their inherit high acidity. Instead, you should have apple juice, apples, melons, watermelons, and bananas. Dairy products: Avoid ice cream, milkshakes, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Opt for low-fat soy cheese, fat-free cream cheese, fat-free sour cream, and goat milk cheese. Dessert items: All dairy products have fats, which are not easy to digest. To digest dairy products, the stomach produces extra gas and acids to break it down. Beverages: This restriction is likely to have a more severe impact. Avoid coffee, tea, and liquor should be avoided entirely. It might not be easy, however, better be safe. Milk: These toxic fats can turn rancid. You must be unaware that milk does not help stop or release an ulcer. It may make things worse by provoking your stomach to produce more acids. Conclusion: With proper care, gastritis can be efficiently treated. A healthy lifestyle, along with home remedies play a significant role in curing Gastritis and Gastric Ulcers. Thus, choosing the right kind of food will help you in relieving the associated pain and symptoms. Most ulcers are curable. However, in case you suspect you have an ulcer, don't ignore it. Speak to your doctor and make a plan and get cured right away.

There may be some disagreements on terminology around leaky gut, but that doesn’t make the symptoms any less real to those who suffer. Whether your doctor calls it increased intestinal permeability, digestive distress, loose intestinal tight junctions or leaky gut, they all mean that particles and toxins which are supposed to stay in a sealed digestive tract and exit are getting released into the body and bloodstream causing autoimmune diseases, inflammation, irregular digestion and stressing the immune system with increased activity. Common symptoms of leaky gut are diarrhea, constipation, brain fog, bloating, gas, cramps, inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivities and a host of other things. For many in the medical field, leaky gut is new, and research is just emerging, but for those in complementary and alternative medicines, leaky gut has been around since Hippocrates. He did say, “All disease begins in the gut.” Though he was technically incorrect, the gut does house nearly 80% of the immune system. This would naturally lead one to the conclusion that a healthy gut means a stronger immune system, and this would make one less prone to disease. Putting history in perspective, we can see why most treatments offered for leaky gut are based on supplements and diets. They’ve simply been acknowledging the connection for a longer period of time. Whether you believe you have leaky gut, food sensitivities, gastric issues or an autoimmune disease, the functional approach would be to heal the digestive system, reduce unnecessary inflammation, eliminate foods which you react to and build up your gut microbiota. These things will help restore your immune system which will decrease illness, and as the diet is predominantly whole foods, no preservatives or processed junk, your body will feel better than it ever has before. If you’re wondering what caused all of these symptoms and diseases wrapped around gut health to begin with, then we need to start with what we eat. No matter what labels or treatments are disagreed about, everyone agrees that the modern diet is not what we were designed to consume. Our systems are not built for the quantity of chemicals, artificial ingredients and high levels of preservatives that have become the staples in the American kitchen. The food we put in our bodies is what heals us or kills us, not to put too drastic a point on it. Other factors that cause leaky gut and compromise your gastrointestinal tract are chemical household products, environmental toxins, GMOs, pesticides, carcinogenic plastics, antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, stress, Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. With this many factors waging war against our intestinal tract, there’s a reason one out of three people think they have a digestive disorder and why the umbrella term, or syndrome, of leaky gut has come to cover so many different symptoms! Now the question becomes, what do we do about it? We may not be able to immediately change our air pollution, exposure to plastics, cleaning solutions or even necessary medicines, but we can support our immune system, strengthen our gut microbiome and rebuild our intestinal linings. We don’t need to say goodbye to gluten, dairy or even a modest amount of natural sugar if these things are not currently causing digestive symptoms or inflammation. We dp need to choose whole sources of these foods. When grocery shopping, avoid boxed, fake, instant, chemicalized foods and find organic, non-GMO, whole foods that are as close to their original source and local origin as possible. If you have a regional farmer’s market, that would be a great place to start. Next, be sure to add in leaky gut supplements that focus on reinforcing the intestinal lining and restoring the balance of healthy gut bacteria. Whether you have gastric issues or not, there are a few things that will keep your system in working order and help prevent many irritable bowel symptoms. Today’s buzzwords are collagen, probiotics, L-Glutamine, Glucosamine and Ashwagandha. We don’t want to get overly complicated, so here are some facts. Collagen is a major player in the development of soft tissues at a cellular level. It does incredible things in the body like aiding in sore and aging joints, restoring elasticity and strength to your skin and improving organ soft tissues, like gut lining. Probiotics are just about everywhere because they are incredibly important in restoring the balance of good bacteria in your digestive system. This helps to break down food and build the immune system while preventing gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. L-Glutamine works to increase the production of immune system cells and their active roles in fighting disease. It also helps to ease stomach spasms and is essential in maintaining the mucosal lining in your intestines. The body uses it in energy production to maintain and repair the gut barrier and epithelial tight junction integrity. Glucosamine is often found in supplements for joint pain and cartilage health because it acts as a natural lubricant in the body, but it is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and aids in proper digestion. This amino sugar works to build up new connective tissues in the digestive tract, heal gut lining and strengthen tight junctions. Ashwagandha is an ancient adaptogenic herb that is used for everything from stress management, chronic inflammation and mood swings, to blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels and slowing the development of cancer. It is an immune support that is good in any situation. These key gut health supplements may be difficult to find, but Terra Origin has combined the highest quality sources in combinations designed to fit your lifestyle. For those who want gut health and a macro boost, take a look at Bone Broth Collagen + Protein in chocolate or vanilla. If you already suffer from digestive irregularities or disease, get extra support from Healthy Gut in mint or peach banana. You will get rich sources of Glutamine and Glucosamine along with supportive herbs and zinc carnosine. Combining healing and prevention, Collagen + Probiotics comes in a delicious Matcha Green Tea flavor. Don’t forget lifestyle plays a big role in your gut. Opt for balancing herbs like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Astragalus in blends for Healthy Inner Balance. You can protect your health and your gut by simply being aware of what you put in your mouth. Terra Origin can be one of those good choices on the road to recovery.     *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.   **All of the natural products listed above were reviewed for accuracy in https://online.lexi.com/ Natural Products Database and Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference

There is a lot of talk going around about leaky gut, intestinal impermeability, digestive disorders, food allergy symptoms and what the modern diet is doing to your GI tract. It can be overwhelming to find all the information you need about your symptoms, possible autoimmune conditions created from the gut and physical pains and illnesses that are caused from inflammation and poor absorption of nutrients. The diets set out on the internet all vary in some way or another and require you to pinpoint what type of intestinal permeability you are experiencing, be it stress related, Candida overgrowth, immunity inflammation, gallbladder issues or gastric problems. Most of us are not doctors, so it becomes a guessing game with trial and error. This is not to say you can’t figure it out and use a moderated diet with accurate supplements to heal your body, but it will take time, work and a keen awareness of how things make you feel, how they react in your body and what symptoms are affected. And all of this work will be worth it, but in the meantime, there must be something you can do to start the healing process no matter what is causing the problem, right? Yes! There are certain things scientists and herbalists alike agree on for all forms of gastric distress and mucosal lining issues. There’s a set of particular herbs, amino acids and chemical compounds that have all been scientifically proven to heal the gut and reset digestive performance. Each one of these can be found individually, but you will need to look for high-quality, gut-enhanced formulas with accurate dosing specifically for GI tract healing. We thought that sounded a bit complicated, so we found all of them and created one supplement to give your digestive and immune systems what they need to begin recovering now, Terra Origin Healthy Gut. Zinc Carnosine for Healing and Bacterial Balance Zinc and carnosine are trace elements that can be found in some foods, but when bound together, the carnosine acts as a carrier for the zinc directly to the affected areas. There is a strong antibacterial effect that has proven successful in helping to eradicate H. Pylori or Helicobacter pylori, with the use of antibiotics, from the gut. The primary benefit of zinc carnosine is its anti-inflammatory power as it travels directly to the damaged tissue and works to repair it immediately lowering the inflammation and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease IBS. It can also provide significant reprieve of ulcerative colitis pain and symptoms. L-Glutamine for Rebuilding Gut Cells L-Glutamine is often talked about in the world of sports to help muscles recover faster after intense workouts, and that is because of its direct effect on the growth of tissue cells. When taken in larger doses, 5-10 grams daily, it triggers a response in the stomach and intestines. This simple amino acid is the fundamental fuel needed to rebuild and produce enterocytes, the cells that make up your digestive linings. It is literally the building block of your entire GI tract! It also helps to regulate the production of intestinal mucus and Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) which fortifies mucosal immunity. Lastly, L-Glutamine can help stop food toxins from entering your bloodstream by strengthening the intestinal tight junctions which regulate what passes through the digestive lining and into the body. N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine for Rebuilding the Mucus Barriers N-acetylglucosamine, NAG, is a chemical that comes from the outer shells of shellfish and is a derivative of glucose. It has profound impacts on gut health and has been shown to improve conditions in osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. NAG is a primary component for rebuilding the mucous membrane of the digest tract. This is key to stop the leakage of food toxins and particles into the bloodstream and seal up the gut. It can rebuild holes and heal the damage to these sensitive tissues. Studies also show that it helps rebalance the gut microbiome by encouraging the growth of good bacteria, like Bifidobacterium bifidum. Methylsulfonylmethane for Symptoms and Allergies Methylsulfonylmethane, MSM, is an organic sulfur compound that has long been used for joint pain and inflammation, but recently it has shown great results against leaky gut. Being a powerful anti-inflammatory, it can help reduce or eliminate inflammatory and allergic reactions to certain foods while the gut is healing. It too has been shown to help rebuild the gut lining and fortify tight junctions, reducing the leakage, and the sulfur improves overall digestion. Herbs Play a Part as Well There are many herbs that can help heal the digestive tract and soothe symptoms of leaky gut and digestive distress, but we have focused on four specific plants for their documented effects on improving intestinal permeability, deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL), slippery elm bark powder, marshmallow root powder and aloe vera. DGL is best known for its ability to strengthen the immune system, fight autoimmune disorders and provide anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory compounds. It does this by stabilizing your hormones and balancing cortisol levels. This combats inflammation and adrenal fatigue. Slippery elm and marshmallow root both contain mucilage and are excellent supporters against leaky gut. They moisten the mucous membranes and coat the stomach lining absorbing toxins and combating inflammation in the tissue. Slippery elm is also a prebiotic giving the good bacteria and your probiotics something to feed on. The added aloe vera plant provides an essential gel that helps to heal the lining between the intestinal wall and the blood stream that can be damaged from undigested proteins. Now you have all the supplements you need in one easy dose to start fortifying your intestinal permeability and healing the symptoms of leaky gut. As for foods you will need to experiment with the things your system can digest and use. One of the agreed on food supplements is bone broth rich in collagen to help heal the intestinal linings and glycine to improve digestion. If you don’t have the 36 – 48 hours to simmer your broth, try Terra Origin Bone Broth Protein Powder for all the benefits with less time and more flavors!

We love a good celebration, and could there be any better than January 28th, National Blueberry Pancake Day? We don’t think so! There is something endearing and delicious when you wake up to the warm smells of pancakes cooking in the kitchen, watch the butter slowly melt into the tender bread and pour the thick, dark maple syrup until drips over the edges. Yes, we love our pancakes. Unfortunately, for many of us adulthood and health conscious eating has put our blueberry pancake days behind us. We find this entirely unfair, so we decided to take back this time-honored breakfast by reinventing a classic with a whole new healthy twist. Since we’re taking the time to celebrate breakfast, we thought it might be fun to celebrate lunch and dinner too. Take a look at three excellent recipes that bring back the flavors of childhood with the nutrition we all need by adding unflavored Terra Origin Bone Broth Protein with Turmeric. Breakfast – Blueberry Pancakes Health benefit: When having pancakes for breakfast, the biggest let down is the lack of protein to hold you through your morning. These pack 17+ grams per serving! Servings – 1 Ingredients: 1 cup of oat flour (You can put raw rolled oats in a blender until they become a powder.) 1 scoop of Terra Origin Unflavored Bone Broth Protein with Turmeric 1 tsp. of baking powder ¼ tsp of salt ¾ cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 mashed medium banana 2 eggs 1 tsp. of vanilla extract 1 cup coconut milk (substitute your favorite dairy-free milk) 2 tbs. coconut oil Directions: In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. In a smaller bowl, mash the banana and whisk in eggs, vanilla, and coconut milk. Then add the wet ingredients to the dry and whisk until all the oat flour is completely moist.  Lastly add the coconut oil and blueberries and stir until well combined. Place a little coconut oil in a skillet and preheat over medium heat. Once hot but not popping, pour in a scoop of the batter. Cook until you see the standard bubbles begin. Check the edges and when browned to satisfaction, flip. Lunch – The Almighty Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich Health benefit: A cheese sandwich, with the right bread and cheese, can offer a variety of nutrients, but the combination of bread and lactose can create havoc on your digestion. We’re adding in anti-inflammatory turmeric and types I and III collagen-based protein to make sure lunch is packed with digestive support. Servings – 1 Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich Ingredients: 2 thick slices of protein seed bread (recipe below) Cheese is based on preference. You can go with vegan cheese, but for this sandwich we like: 1 tbsp. of soft herbed goat cheese 1 thin slice of provolone 1 thin slice of parmesan 3 slices of heirloom or Roma tomato 1 tbsp. ghee Directions: Layer the sandwich with the goat cheese on one slice the tomato in the middle and the cheese slices on the other piece of bread. This allows the cheese to melt around the tomatoes. Heat the ghee in a skillet until hot. Place the sandwich in the hot ghee and flip when brown and crunchy. Enjoy! One Bowl Blender Bread Ingredients: 1/3 cup almonds 1 heaping cup of mixed raw seeds (chia, flax, sunflower, pumpkin, hemp, sesame, etc.) 1 ½ cup almond or oat flour or mix (grind raw whole almonds or raw rolled oats into flour) 1 tsp baking soda 2 scoops of Terra Origin Unflavored Bone Broth Protein with Turmeric 3 eggs ¾ cup almond milk 1/3 cup olive, avocado or coconut oil 1 tbsp. honey 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar ½ tsp. salt Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pulse the almonds in a blender or food processor a few times to break into pieces. Add your cup of seeds and blend until coarsely ground. Then add in the flour, baking soda and protein powder and blend until mixed. Add the eggs, almond milk, oil, honey, vinegar and ½ teaspoon of salt and process until well combined. Next, cover an 8'' x 4'' loaf pan with parchment paper and pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 45 – 50 minutes, or until the bread is golden-brown and a knife or fork inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Slice it up for your protein packed sandwiches! Dinner – Vegetable Stew Health benefit: Vegetables have a ton of healthy benefits all on their own, but they lack collagen to turn that stew into a gut healing miraculous broth. Now you can have all the benefits of beef stew without hours of roasting bones! Servings – 2 Ingredients: 2 sticks of celery chopped 2 large carrots chopped 1 medium yellow onion sliced 1 leek thin sliced 1 heaping cup of fresh spinach 1 cup of chopped oyster mushroom or chanterelles 1 medium yellow squash chopped 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 scoops of Terra Origin Unflavored Bone Broth Protein with Turmeric 2 tbsp. thyme 3 cloves of garlic mashed 1 tbsp. of fresh basil Salt, pepper to taste 3 cups of water Directions: Place the mashed garlic and olive oil in the bottom of a 4 qt. soup pot, heat off. Chop all your vegetables while the oil and garlic infuse. Then turn on the stovetop to medium heat, add the onion, leek, carrot and celery and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add in the thyme and basil and sauté another minute till it gets slightly browned. Add in the water, squash and corn and bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Add the mushrooms, spinach, salt and pepper and boil another 10 minutes or until the vegetables have the texture you prefer. When you turn off the heat, add in the 2 scoops of bone broth powder. Mix well and enjoy!  

Gut health is a hot topic these days around dinner tables, locker rooms and doctor’s offices as western and eastern medicines begin to find a balance between fact and fiction. The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, once said, “All disease begins in the gut.” Much of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine is focused around balancing the gut and preventing disease through the health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recent headlines blame gut microbiome for numerous autoimmune diseases, and bone broth has taken center stage in acting as both a preventative measure and a holistic treatment for those suffering from various illnesses in the bowels. Exactly how is our digestive health connected to so many other diseases of the body? Can our gut really determine the health of our lungs, blood, mental health and longevity? Absolutely! Body Gut Connection Science is frantically piecing together what ancient healers have known intuitively for centuries. Bacteria, cells and bio-particles are being created, destroyed, manipulated, injected and removed all to be studied carefully under a microscope for their actions and reactions in given environments with varied sets of conditions. Do you remember the scientific method in grade school? The old hypothesis, experiment, result construct that let you determine whether your initial scientific theory was correct or not? This is what is currently being done in labs around the world as we draw the connections between gut health and the body. It all gets extremely technical, and at the moment the data seems to be all over the place, but there are some things that we know for sure. 70-80% of your immune system is housed in your gut. The immune system is not like your respiratory system or your cardiovascular system. It is not made up of organs and veins. It is what works in and through your organs and veins. The immune system is a conglomerate of cells, most of which reside in your GI tract. When the cells are kept healthy, they work to keep your body healthy.  Leaky gut exacerbates disease. When studying leaky gut, you may find that some say it doesn’t exist. That is more a matter of terminology. Science refers to leaky gut as intestinal permeability. And permeability issues have been definitively linked to autoimmune diseases, digestive discomfort, depression, fatigue, increased inflammation, allergies and much more. The gut lining protects you from the rest of the world. Even the hardcore traditionalists of western medicine cannot debate the fact that our intestinal lining is what separates our internal from the external. We are essentially a closed system with a giant, sealed tube running from our mouths and down to allow things to go in and come back out. When the lining of the GI tract is healthy and functioning properly, it only permits what we need to pass into our bloodstream and nourish our body. When the permeability is compromised, large particles and toxins can pass through setting off immune responses in the body. Waiting on Science We may still be waiting for all the technical terms and medical advances to come from the study of the gut in connection with the rest of the body, but we can start taking action now with the things we do know. If our gut is directly connected to our immune system, then our overall health is directly impacted by the health of our intestinal tract. When you are chronically ill and always treating symptoms, it’s time to take another approach and look for the root of disease. If you get the classic cold or flu every year, start protecting your gut to fortify your immune system. If your immune cells are not fighting themselves, autoimmune disease, or off fighting toxins from leaky gut, then they are ready to defend against common illnesses. Confirmed Gut Connections Science has spent a considerable amount of time and research drawing connections between the gut and other areas of the body. These connections are called axis. The most commonly discussed connection with the greatest number of studies is the gut-brain axis. The gut can actually change your brain chemistry and how you feel through cytokines which communicate for the immune system and are controlled by the gut’s microbiota. There is also evidence for the gut-liver axis. This is because 70% of the blood that travels around and absorbs from the gut is then processed by the liver. When the gut lining has increased permeability, then the blood is what carries the different combinations of microbes, bacteria and food particles. Science is also studying the gut-kidney axis as an imbalanced microbiome affects the microbiota passing through the kidneys. Lastly, is the gut-lung axis. When avoiding respiratory infections, you want to start by healing your gut! How to Support Your Gut Now For those who suffer from severe leaky gut, the recovery process may take some time, but the steps to heal your body and to reduce the risk of impermeability to begin with are the same. If your symptoms are severe, it will take more time, dedication and conscious tracking of cause and effect through your diet. For those who want to fend off the seasonal cold while strengthening their immune system, these basic steps will get you on your way. Digestive Enzymes Aiding your digestive tract to break down food faster and more efficiently can assist the stomach, liver and gall bladder. Enzymes help to reduce symptoms of IBS, IBD and digestive discomforts. They are naturally found in fermented foods such as kimchi, pickles or sauerkraut, but that can be a bit much to have on a daily basis. Consider supplementing with Terra Origin Digestive Enzyme Capsules. Probiotics Probiotics are key in rebalancing the gut’s microbiome and bringing in strains of good bacteria, such as acidophilus and bifidobacterial, to reduce the proliferation of disease-causing bad bacteria. Yogurt, kefir and miso are all great sources of natural probiotics, but a daily supplement will greatly improve your gut health. The Digestive Enzyme Capsules mentioned above also have a strong probiotic blend making them the perfect gut health combo. If you want to add a little more flavor to your enzymes and probiotics, add a creamy smoothie using Terra Origin Healthy Greens Superfoods which is also fortified with an enzyme and probiotic blend. L-Glutamine This is one of the most effective and natural healers of the gut walls and mucosal lining.  It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and it helps to protect and rebuild the gut mucosal structure which improves the body’s immune response. The highest natural sources for L-glutamine are meat and dairy which is why bone broth is a natural gut healer, but this is not the best nor always acceptable choice for all people. That is why Terra Origin has formulated Healthy Gut to give you Sustamine® L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, along with N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine and several holistic herbs that work to increase mucilage and seal the gut.

In the time of food allergies, sensitivities and diet frenzies, being the one to cook a meal that suits every guest can be a challenge at best. Simply having the holiday turkey and ham along with a few vegetarian dishes no longer meets the ever-increasing dietary demands. Some of us have made food choices based on personal preference, but others have medical conditions and severe reactions. Being the excellent host that you are, it also feels good to make food that you know will nourish your guests and help support each individual. At the end of the day, it’s supposed to be a celebration for everyone, and you want to serve up a feast that leaves your friends and loved ones happy, healthy and well. Christmas Meat and Non-Meat Eaters For the meat lovers, skip the ham and opt for lean turkey or roasted chicken. It may be tempting to put all your stuffing inside the bird but support your non-meat friends by leaving some aside to be baked on its own. This goes for the vegetables as well. They may taste delicious roasted in the same pan, but those who do not or cannot eat meat will not be able to enjoy these either. Whatever you prepare to cook in or along side your meat, simply leave a portion out to be prepared as a vegetarian option. Sugar and Fat Consider the sugar and fat levels in your food as well. Skip the fried. This goes for any dish that has fried toppings like a green bean casserole to deep frying your turkey. Your health and your gut will thank you. Sugar is the more dangerous culprit and is rapidly becoming a food substance that millions cannot tolerate. Make a hard pass for added sugars to your yams and sweet potatoes and limit the sickeningly sweet desserts to your favorite one or two depending on the size of your dinner party. This doesn’t mean there cannot be something delicious at the end of the main course. Consider roasted nuts, warm fruit salads and cutting the sugar out of holiday favorites like pumpkin or apple pie. Both are sweet enough without the sugar. What about gluten? Unless you prepare a traditional Italian Christmas dinner, this one should be easy to leave out. Gluten free breads and rolls are easily found in supermarkets or opt for a paleo nut and seed loaf freshly baked in your oven. Online recipes are easy and abundant! Make your stuffing with gluten free bread, vegetable broth and assorted spices. It will be equally delicious. When it comes to pie crust, find nut or gluten-free oat crusts. Food Allergies and Sensitivities Allergies get into an entirely new realm of food prep when you may have a guest that can’t eat dairy, nuts, eggs, soy or any number of other ingredients. Be sure to contact everyone who is coming over and ask about their dietary needs and those of their plus one! Dairy can be substituted easily with the large variety of dairy-free milks available. If nuts are an issue, try coconut, rice or oat milk. Eggs are also an easy substitute as you can use ground flax seed and water, applesauce, mashed bananas, soaked chia seeds and store bought vegan egg replacers. We don’t recommend whipping up a quiche with these, but for holiday baking and dinner, they will work wonders. If you need gluten-free, nut-free pie crusts or breads, consider the abundance of seeds! Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flax, chia, hemp and many more will make delicious breads and crusts. Gut Healthy Dinner Once you have a set of ingredients you can work with, it’s time to consider your menu. When preparing a dinner that tastes amazing and leaves your insides happy, think about a rustic table. Cook a meal that would have been found on a country table 100 years ago. Spices become your best friend as platters of roasted vegetables rough chopped, sit along with hot seed bread, oven roasted meats and warm vegetable stew. Respect your gut biome by cooking without boxes, cans and pre-made ingredients. Choose whole foods that stay as close as possible to their original taste and form. Slip in a little extra health by adding bone broth powders to your non-vegan gravies, veggie glazes and stuffing mix. The collagen will help keep everyone’s digestive tracts happy and moving while preventing gastric discomfort. For a mocktail that heals and nourishes, mix up a pitcher with Terra Origin Healthy Gut Mint or Healthy Skin Boost in citrus or acai berry. Your guests will not only feel satisfied and well on the inside, they will also be filled with gratitude and joy for all your efforts to honor dietary restrictions and prepare a holistic meal that brings flavor and healing to Christmas.