in the kitchen with brandi by BRANDI GIVENS RD
in the kitchen with brandi by BRANDI GIVENS RD
HOW A HEALTHY GUT CAN IMPROVE YOUR GAME
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Many nutrition experts agree that plant-hearty diets can help keep picklers healthy on and off the court . Plant foods offer countless nutrients our bodies need for the endurance and focus it takes to play our best . But beyond the vitamins and minerals produce provides , the fiber in these foods can help keep our gut microbiomes balanced and well-fed .
What is the Gut Microbiome ?
You ’ ve probably heard of the gut microbiome — the trillions of bacteria , viruses , and fungi that live inside our digestive systems . Each person ’ s microbiome is a unique blend of hundreds of microbe species transmitted from family , friends , environment , and diet since birth .
Most gut-bug species are completely harmless and seem to simply coexist with us . A few are hostile and could make us sick if they become overpopulated . The remainder are as symbiotic as a skilled doubles partner , providing us with benefits and immunity against our adversaries .
Balanced Gut-Bug Benefits
Microbes were discovered in the human digestive system hundreds of years ago , but it ’ s only been a few decades since Western medicine has recognized their health contributions . We now know that some of these little guys create essential nutrients and chemicals we can ’ t make ourselves , and block bad microbes from entering our bodies . A balanced gut may :
• Ward off bowel problems — no one needs those distractions during a match .
• Boost the immune system so we have the wellness to drill and play .
• Help maintain a healthy weight to keep us spry for those lobs .
• Keep blood sugar stable and lower diabetes risk .
• Increase production of neurotransmitters needed for fast hands .
• Stabilize mental health so we can keep our cool on the court .
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