7 Days To Optimal Gut Health
7 Days To Optimal Gut Health
7 days to:
HEalth
Optimal Gut
VTL LIVING - 7 DAYS TO OPTIMAL GUT HEALTH
HI THERE - PAGE 1
INTRO TO GUT HEALTH - PACE 2
PILLARS TO GUT HEALTH - PAGE 3
DIGESTION
ELIMINATION
MICROFLORA
GUT INTEGRITY
FASTING
FOUNDATIONS TO WELLNESS - PAGE 4 - 5
GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION - PAGE 6
SUPPLEMENTATION - PAGE 7
MEAL PLAN - PAGE 8 - 9
7-DAY ACTIVITY PLANNER - PAGE 10
SUMMARY - PAGE 11
LIVE A VITAL LIFE
The gut, hailed as the "second brain," has a profound influence over our
wellbeing. With trillions of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome,
it's crucial to nurture this ecosystem for optimal health. This program aims to
achieve just that —cultivating a diverse and resilient gut microbiome.
While nurturing long-term gut health takes time, this 7-day program serves as a
starting point. By integrating these practices into your life, you'll be laying the
foundations for better gut health and vitality.
So whats in it for you? Well here are 5 compelling benefits of supportig your
gut health.
MICROFLORA BALANCE
Our microflora consists of over 500 different
strains of beneficial yeast, bacteria and
microorganisms that grow in the intestines.
That helps maintain healthy digestion and
absorption in the GI tract. These organisms
help regulate immune function and blood
sugar levels, assist in vitamin production and
manufacture essential nutrients. Having
variety in your diet supports a healthy
microbiome balance to prevent illnesses.
GUT INTEGRITY
A critical function of the lining of the gut is to
allow nutrients into the body and excluding all
the harmful substances that pass through our
gut. If this selective barrier isn’t maintained,
the intestinal barrier becomes permeable to
harmful substances that trigger immune-
related responses, typically linked to
disorders as Chron's, Celiac disease, eczema
and food allergies.
3
Foundations to
wellness
VTL LIVING - 7 DAYS TO OPTIMAL GUT HEALTH
7
Exercise is one of the most powerful ways you can boost
your microbiome and improve your wellbeing.
Exercise improves gut motility or movement, and
circulation throughout your body, including to your gut.
Exercise Movement helps tone your stomach muscles including
your digestive tract, improves your metabolism and
supports better sleep. Like food movemtn really is
medicine!
8
Get your snooze game strong! Research suggests that
skimping on sleep can throw off your gut microbes. Not
catching enough Zzzs can also ramp up inflammation and
stress hormones in your bod. Plus, the gut-brain
Sleep & connection means that the same bad habits that mess
Stress with your sleep can also disrupt your gut health. So, kick
stress to the curb with some physical activity or
Reduction
mindfulness practices—it'll do wonders for your gut
health and overall wellbeing.
5
Gut Brain Axis
6
Supplements to
Support Gut Health
SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE A FANTASTIC ADDITION TO SUPPORT A BALANCED DIET AND
BOOST YOUR GUT HEALTH. WHILE WE RECOMMEND CONSULTING WITH A
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL FOR PERSONALISED ADVICE, THE FOLLOWING
SUPPLEMENTS CAN EASILY BE INCORPORATED INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE.
Psyllium comes from a shrub-like herb called Plantago Psylluim is a rich source of fibre, making it beneficial for
PSYLLUIM HUSK psyllium, which grows most predominantly in India. gut health as well as some other wellness purposes. It
The husk is the outer coating of the psyllium seed. feeds gut bacteria and supports health bowl movements.
Meal Plan Inspo
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER INFO
DAY 1 DAY 1
- 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cup chickpeas (canned or with Quinoa healthy balance of gut bacteria. Chickpeas
- 1/4 cup granola cooked) - 6 oz grilled chicken provide fiber to support gut health, and
- 1/2 cup mixed berries - 1 cup mixed stir-fry - 1 cup cooked quinoa stir-fry veggies promote a diverse gut
- 1 tablespoon honey vegetables - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric microbiome. Soy sauce aids in hormone
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil regulation, and turmeric offers anti-
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil inflammatory properties for gut health.
Quinoa, a gut-friendly grain, pairs well with
turmeric to support hormone balance.
- 2 celery stalks, diced (bell peppers, broccoli, hormone production. Lentils offer a
- 1 ripe avocado
- 3 cloves garlic, minced carrots, snap peas) combination of fiber and protein, along with
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cloves garlic, minced phytoestrogens that aid in hormonal
- Red pepper flakes
- 1 can diced tomatoes - 1 tablespoon ginger, balance. Tofu serves as a plant-based
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin minced protein source, complemented by fiber and
- 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 tablespoons soy sauce antioxidants from vegetables. The soy in
- Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - tofu contains isoflavones, further
Cooked brown rice or supporting hormone balance.
quinoa for serving
Greek Salad
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, Chia seeds provide a boost of fiber and
Berry Chia Pudding
halved Baked Cod with Asparagus omega-3s, while berries offer antioxidants.
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced - fresh cod fillet The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds are
DAY 4
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, - 1/4 cup lettuce - 2 cloves garlic, minced is rich in vitamin E, supporting
crumbled - 1/4 cup tomato, sliced - 1 tablespoon curry powder hormone production.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon olive oil Lentils provide a double dose of
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional, as spread) - Cooked brown rice for fiber and protein, while coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste serving offers healthy fats and contains
phytoestrogens, which contribute to
hormonal balance.
sliced,
- small bunch of brocallini - 1 cup cooked quinoa with healthy balance of gut bacteria.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, mince sauted onions and fetta Prawns provide protein and omega-
-2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 3s, while broccolini offers fiber and
-2 slices of Haloumi
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil vitamins. Shrimp also contains
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, selenium, which supports thyroid
chopped health.
- Salt and pepper to taste
GET READY TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS. SET ASIDE SOME TIME EACH DAY TO
GET INTO THE GROOVE TO GET YOURNGLOWING WITH HEALTHY HABITS. EACH DAY
BUILDS ON THE LAST SO KEEP A JOURNAL TO TRACK YOUR WINS AND PROGRESS.
LET'S DIVE IN!
FOCUS SUPPORT
Mindful Eating
DAY 4 All Day: Practice mindful eating by chewing food thoroughly and eating without distractions. Try to slow Mindfull.org -
down your pace while eating. Eindful Eating
Sleep Focus
Maintain a diet rich in whole foods, with lean protein sources, emphasising magnesium-rich foods
(spinach, almonds, and pumpkin seeds) to promote relaxation.
DAY 5 Avoid caffeine after 2 PM and avoid screens at least 2 hours before bed to improve sleep quality.
Alternatively wear blue blockers while watching TV or using devices. Blue Block Products
Prepare a relaxing bedtime routine, including a warm bath or shower with Epsom salts or lavender oil.
Apply one or more of the Sleep & Stress Reduction tips mentioned previously.
Exercise
Cleavland Clinic - Gut
DAY 6 Get your sweat on outside. Exposure to the elements during exercise has been shown to improve gut
Health Workout
health and general wellbeing.
5
Reflection
Take a moment to celebrate yourself. Come back to your journal. Note any changes in digestion, energy levels, and overall
DAY 7 well-being. How do you feel? What worked for you and what didn’t? Is there anything you’ll cntinue to do to build that healthy
foundation?
Ready to
START THE JOURNEY TO BETTER
HEALTH
BACKED BY SCIENCE
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