How Your Digestive Health May Impact Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
Discover the fascinating link between your gut health and cognitive function from award-winning UK dietitian Gillian Killiner. Drawing from 30 years of clinical experience and groundbreaking research, learn how specific gut bacteria influence brain health and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. From beneficial bacterial strains to practical dietary strategies, this evidence-based guide reveals how to support your cognitive wellness through gut health. Featuring real client success stories and actionable steps you can take today. Book your consultation at 121 Dietitian’s Hollywood clinic or online to start your journey toward optimal brain health through personalised nutrition.
The Hidden Link Between Gut Health and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Diabetes: How to Improve Blood Sugar Control Naturally
Explore the vital link between gut health and diabetes. Learn how your gut microbiome impacts nutrient absorption and blood sugar control with expert tips from 121 Dietitian.
Choosing the Right Health Professional – A Guide to Ensuring Effective, Evidence-Based Care
In today’s world, the vast number of health and wellness services available can make it difficult to find the right professional for your needs.
The Importance of Protein for Health
Protein is one of the most essential nutrients your body needs to function optimally.
The Role of Hydration in Maintaining a Healthy Gut
The Role of Hydration in Maintaining a Healthy Gut While we often focus on diet and exercise when it comes to health, hydration is an essential yet often overlooked factor that plays a vital role in gut function and overall well-being. As a Dietitian I see multiple people each week who are dehydrated drinking too little or the wrong types of liquids for optimal health, so I thought it would be good to explore why staying hydrated is so important for your gut and answer some commonly asked questions. Why is Hydration Important for Gut Health? Water is essential for nearly every function in the body, and your digestive system is no exception. Proper hydration supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. Without enough water, these processes can slow down or become inefficient, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Here are some key ways hydration impacts your gut: 1. Aids Digestion: Water helps break down food so that your body can absorb nutrients more effectively. It also keeps the digestive process running smoothly by softening food as it moves through the gastrointestinal tract. 2. Prevents Constipation: Dehydration is one of the leading causes of constipation. When your body lacks water, it absorbs more fluid from your stool, making it harder and more difficult to pass. 3. Supports Mucosal Lining: The mucosal lining of your gut acts as a barrier to protect against harmful bacteria and toxins. Staying hydrated helps maintain this protective layer. 4. Balances Gut Microbiome: Proper hydration promotes a balanced gut microbiome by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria while flushing out toxins and waste products. 5. Regulates Bowel Movements: Water helps maintain regular bowel movements by keeping stool soft and easy to pass, reducing the risk of digestive discomfort. 6. Assists weight management: It is all too easy to reach for a snack or meal when what you really need is a drink. Hunger can actually be dehydration. Drinking correct amounts will ensure you are not consuming excess energy contributing to excess weight. How Much Water Do You Need? The amount of water you need varies depending on factors like age, activity level, climate, and overall health. A general guideline is to drink at least 6-8 glasses (1.5-2 litres) of water per day. However, if you’re physically active or live in a hot climate, you may need more. I have not included athletes in this blog, but it is essential for them to consume the correct volume of fluids and electrolytes if they are active for over 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the conditions and the nature of the activity. Signs You Might Be Dehydrated Dehydration can affect your gut health without you realising it. Watch out for these signs: Dry mouth or throat Dark yellow urine Fatigue or low energy Headaches Constipation Bloating or digestive discomfort If you notice any of these symptoms, increasing your water intake could help improve your gut health. Tips for Staying Hydrated Here are some practical tips to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day: Start Your Day with Water: Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to kickstart your metabolism and rehydrate after sleep. Carry a Reusable Bottle: Keep a water bottle with you during the day as a reminder to drink regularly. Eat Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and lettuce into your diet for extra hydration. Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or apps to remind yourself to drink water at regular intervals. Flavour Your Water: If plain water feels boring, add slices of lemon, ginger, cucumber, or mint for a refreshing twist. Drink Before Meals: Having a glass of water before meals not only aids digestion but also helps control portion sizes by promoting satiety. Limit Dehydrating Drinks: Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you by increasing fluid loss. Reusable bottle and flask from Amazon Shop: Glass bottles or Flasks Common Questions About Hydration and Gut Health Can drinking too much water harm my gut? Yes, excessive water intake can dilute stomach acid, which may impair digestion temporarily. Stick to recommended daily amounts unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. Does tea or coffee count towards hydration? Yes, but be mindful that caffeine has diuretic effects when consumed in large amounts. Herbal teas or decaffeinated options are better choices for hydration after 3-4 caffeinated drinks. Decaffeinated Tea Can dehydration cause bloating? Yes! Dehydration can slow digestion and lead to gas build-up in the intestines, causing bloating or discomfort. Is sparkling water good for gut health? Sparkling water can be hydrating; however, some people find it causes bloating or gas due to carbonation. Listen to your body’s response. Watch for an excessive mineral content as high sodium levels can be dehydrating. Fizzy Dash Water How does hydration affect my microbiome? Proper hydration supports a healthy balance of gut bacteria by aiding digestion and flushing out harmful substances that could disrupt the microbiome. The Role of Diet in Hydration While drinking water is essential, your diet also plays a role in staying hydrated: Include fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and oranges. Add vegetables like cucumbers, celery, and courgettes. Opt for soups or broths as part of meals. Avoid salty meals and snacks that can dehydrate you by increasing fluid retention needs. When to Seek Professional Advice If you’re experiencing persistent digestive issues despite staying hydrated or have difficulty maintaining adequate fluid intake due to medical conditions, it is good to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalised advice. Hydration is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to support your gut health and overall well-being. By drinking enough water each day and incorporating hydrating foods into your diet, you can improve digestion, maintain regular bowel movements, and support a healthy microbiome. If you’d like to learn more about how hydration fits into maintaining optimal gut health or need personalised guidance on improving your diet for better digestion, consider exploring my online course available here This is
Start the New Year with Sustainable Health and Dietary Changes.
Start the New Year with Sustainable Health and Dietary Changes As we welcome the new year, it’s the perfect time to evaluate our health and make positive, lasting changes. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your fitness, or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, setting realistic and sustainable goals or habits is key. A great first step in your journey is to understand your current body composition. Using various tools and apps can be confusing, as they often provide wide variations in measurements. It’s definitely worth trying a few different options to establish a starting point for tracking, rather than focusing solely on complete accuracy. One of the tools that can be interesting to those embarking on a new health journey is checking body fat percentage. Why Body Fat Matters While the number on the scale can be a useful indicator, it doesn’t tell the full story of your health. Body fat percentage is a much more accurate measure of overall health and fitness. Too much body fat, especially around the abdominal area, can increase the risk of various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. By understanding your body fat percentage, you can better assess your health and take appropriate steps to improve it. If your body fat percentage is higher than recommended, this may be a sign that it’s time to make changes to your diet and lifestyle. Using a Body Fat Calculator can give you a snapshot of where you stand and motivate you to start making those changes. How a 121 Dietitian Can Help Making changes to your diet and exercise routine is not always easy, and that’s where the expertise of a Dietitian can make all the difference. At 121 Dietitian, we offer various programs to assist. Our Weight Loss for Life Program focuses on sustainable weight loss strategies, tailored to fit your unique needs. This program emphasises healthy eating habits, lifestyle changes, and mindset shifts that help you make lasting improvements to your health without the need for quick fixes or fad diets. With the support of our 121 Dietitian services, you’ll not only receive personalised nutrition plans, recipes, shopping lists but also ongoing guidance to keep you on track for life. Our goal is to ensure you achieve your weight loss goals in a way that is both enjoyable and sustainable, so you can enjoy a healthier future without feeling deprived. Blood testing may also be recommended based on your health and any symptoms. Get Started Today As you begin your journey towards better health, using the Body Fat Calculator can help you understand your current status and where you need to be. While it’s important to keep an eye on the numbers, don’t get too caught up in them; if your body fat percentage is high, aim to move it into a safer range. The formulas used in these calculations are estimates. Therefore, if you’re seeking precise accuracy, more advanced methods like DEXA scans can provide more reliable body fat measurements. Once you identify your body fat percentage, the next step is to take action. This is where the 121 Dietitian Weight Loss for Life Program can provide the structure, support, and accountability you need to succeed. Start the year strong by making meaningful changes and collaborating with a Dietitian who is dedicated to helping you achieve your lifelong goals. Contact us today, and let’s take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. I’ll be covering additional tools, such as BMI and Height to Waist Ratio, in upcoming blogs, so stay tuned! If you want to book your programme TODAY we would love to help you. You can book a 121 Dietitian Programme today by clicking on the link below Book Now
