Rebalancing the Gut After Heavy Drinking
Often referred to as your “second brain,” the gut influences everything from your mood and energy levels to your immune system and skin health.
Additionally, the gut is closely connected to the brain through the gut-brain axis, a communication network that allows them to influence each other.
An imbalanced gut—caused by poor diet, stress, or illness—can disrupt this communication, potentially contributing to mood disorders like anxiety or depression. Conversely, a healthy gut can support better mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall cognitive function.
After the holiday or heavy drinking months, it is essential to take a break from alcohol and reset and heal the gut.
Continuous alcohol consumption and living an unbalanced lifestyle can lead to dysbiosis, which can upset the microbiome.
The microbiome consists of trillions of different species of bacteria, including parasites, viruses and fungi. When these "bugs" are fed a balanced diet, the immune system, metabolism and digestion can work in unity.
As a nutritionist, a common theme among my clients when they complete their 5-day food journals is a high consumption of processed foods, alcohol, and sugar, which all contribute to gut inflammation.
With some education and support, I help my clients shift their mindset regarding food choices and empower them to help heal themselves.
Depending on the needs of my client, we may implement a 5R protocol strategy which includes:
Remove
Replace
Reincoculate
Repair
Rebalance
Rebalancing your gut can feel overwhelming, so working with a health practitioner may be a way to receive some guidance on your health journey.
