Tag Archives: Christine Khamis

It’s all about the gut

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Keep your gut’s mix of bacteria healthy, and chronic illnesses might be kept at bay. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Christine Khamis, PA-C, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Gut health has become a prominent focus in 21st-century health care.

 

The human body has more bacteria cells than human cells, and recent clinical research links an imbalance of bacteria in the gut microbiome (“good” vs “bad” bacteria) to almost every chronic disease—including obesity, diabetes, autoimmunity, depression, cancer, heart disease, fibromyalgia and asthma.

 

Research also reveals that people with lower amounts of “good” intestinal bacteria had increased fat tissue, insulin resistance, high cholesterol and general inflammation when compared with individuals who have a healthy gut microbiome.

 

In addition to the ecosystem inside the gut, the intestinal wall itself houses nearly 70 percent of the body’s immune system.

 

The lining of our intestinal wall is only one cell layer thick, and therefore very susceptible to damage. If that barrier breaks down, due to infection, medication, food allergens or toxins, the body’s immune system is compromised, which can also lead to chronic disease.

 

The gut also contains more neurotransmitters than the brain, and the two organs are highly connected.

 

If messages are altered for any reason in any direction—from the brain to the gut or the gut to the brain—you’ll experience health concerns.

 

At STR!VE, we talk with members about the link between gut health and chronic disease, and use evidence-based lifestyle management strategies as the first and primary method for prevention and treatment.

Lifestyle factors that can damage your gut microbiome

  • Processed foods and a nutrient-poor diet
  • Chronic stress
  • Overuse of medications such as steroids, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and acid blockers

Actions you can take to improve your gut microbiome

  • Replace processed foods, sugars and refined carbohydrates with fiber-rich whole foods
  • Aim for 75 percent of your plate to be plant-based foods and vegetables
  • Eat fermented foods that contain good amounts of probiotics such as miso, kimchi, sauerkraut and tempeh
  • Consider a 30-day elimination diet to pinpoint trigger foods

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Fuel up for your workouts

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Before lacing up, make sure you know the dos and don’ts of nutrition when it comes to exercise. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

 

By Christine Khamis, PA-C, Spectrum Health Beat

 

What to eat before and after a workout is one of the most common questions I’m asked.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your exercise journey, there are some general guidelines.

 

If you’re looking for advice on meal planning and customization, you can follow up with your health care provider or dietitian.

Pre-workout nutrition

It’s best not to eat immediately before a workout.

 

Eat larger meals at least 3-4 hours before exercising. Ideally, you should fuel your body about 1 to 3 hours before working out with a small meal or snack.

 

Carbohydrates are the main fuel for your muscles. The harder your engine is working, the more carbs you need for optimal performance. In addition to carbs, your pre-workout meal or snack should also include some protein. While carbs are the fuel, protein is what rebuilds and repairs your muscles.

 

Here are some suggestions for pre-workout fuel:

  • A banana with peanut butter
  • Plain Greek yogurt with berries
  • Oatmeal with low-fat milk and blueberries
  • Apple and peanut or almond butter

During workout

The need to fuel during exercise depends on exercise time and type:

  • If your workout is less than 45 minutes, focus on water for hydration.
  • For sustained high-energy exercises that last 45-75 minutes, you need small amounts of carbs throughout the activity to optimally fuel your muscles and performance. Hydrate with sports drinks or a small serving of applesauce every 20-30 minutes.
  • For endurance exercise lasting 75 minutes or longer, you need 30-60 grams of carbs an hour, such as a handful of raisins or 1 medium banana.

Post-workout nutrition

Getting protein and carbs into your system is even more vital post-workout.

 

Your body uses stored fuel in your muscles and liver, in the form of glycogen, to fuel your workout.

 

Ideally, you should get carbs and protein into your body within the first two hours after exercising—the sooner the better.

 

This gives your muscles the ability to replenish the glycogen you just used and allows for protein and amino acids to repair your muscles.

 

Here are some ideas for post-workout nutrition:

  • Recovery smoothie
  • Turkey on a whole-grain wrap with veggies
  • Yogurt with berries

When it comes to exercise and nutrition, everyone is different—consider keeping a journal to monitor how your body reacts to meals and pay close attention to how you feel and perform during your workout.

 

Let your experience guide you through which eating habits work best for you.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.