You know you're unhealthy when experiencing persistent fatigue, frequent pain, poor sleep, unexplained weight changes, or digestive issues, alongside lifestyle factors like a poor diet, lack of activity, or smoking, all signaling potential underlying problems like dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, stress, or an unhealthy gut that warrant listening to your body and consulting a doctor.
“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.
The 3-3-3 rule for habits is a milestone system: the first 3 days are the hardest (start small), the next 3 weeks build momentum (stay consistent), and the following 3 months solidify the behavior into a lifestyle, making it second nature, reports Psychology Today and Facebook, YouTube].
Signs of bad gut health include digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn; skin problems such as acne or eczema; mood changes like anxiety or depression; fatigue; sugar cravings; and unintentional weight changes, all stemming from an imbalance in your gut microbiome (dysbiosis). These symptoms can signal that your gut isn't processing food and eliminating waste effectively, impacting overall well-being, notes Healthdirect and GoodRx.
Our gut microbiome is made up of good and bad bacteria. The aim is to feed and promote the growth of the beneficial bacteria. To do this, we can focus on the '3Fs' – FOOD, FITNESS and FASTING.
The 7 Day Gut Reset is a clean-eating and lifestyle-based plan designed to: Eliminate common gut disruptors. Introduce healing, nourishing foods. Support your digestive system with hydration and rest. Improve the diversity of your gut bacteria.
What can you do to support the good bacteria in your gut? Eating a plant-based diet that includes fermented foods and fiber from colorful fruits and vegetables, having healthy sleep habits and managing stress levels are other ways to support a healthy gut.
Processed foods: Low in fiber and high in unhealthy fats, these foods can slow digestion. Additives and preservatives may disrupt gut flora, and excess sodium can lead to dehydration. Red meat: High in fat and low in fiber, this protein can be harder to digest. Eating too much can also impact gut bacteria.
You can make your own calorie-saving choices to add up to your goal deficit. Aim to cut back on calories and/or burn more to the tune of: 250 calories per day for a half-pound loss per week, 500 calories for a goal of losing a pound a week, or 1,000 daily calories to lose about 2 pounds per week.
Habits are the brain's way of conserving energy, allowing us to perform tasks subconsciously. From going to brush our teeth in the morning to checking our phones, habits are a big part of our daily routines.
