If you're like most people trying to stay fit, you've probably got your protein powder, pre-workout, and multivitamin game on lock.
But what if I told you that the secret to better results, improved mood, and overall health might be hiding in your gut?
Enter Craig Brockie, founder of Ultimate Health and creator of the bestselling Ultimate Probiotic Yogurt Maker.
In a recent chat on The Begin Within Health Show, Craig dropped some serious knowledge bombs about how gut health could be the missing link in your fitness journey.
The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than Just a Gut Feeling
Remember those days when you'd wake up feeling like you got hit by a truck, both physically and mentally? Craig's been there, done that, and he's got the T-shirt.
"30 years ago, I'd wake up in bed and I'd feel anxiety. My chest is tight, feel sick to my stomach," he recalls.
But here's the kicker – that anxiety and those physical symptoms? They might have more to do with your gut than you think.
Craig explains, "What a lot of people don't know is that your neurotransmitters that make you feel good, like dopamine, serotonin, these are actually produced in your gut."
Mind. Blown. Right? It turns out that the phrase "trust your gut" might be more scientific than we thought.
The Antibiotic Apocalypse in Your Stomach
Now, before you start thinking this is some hippy-dippy nonsense, let's talk science.
Craig's journey into gut health started with a common story – acne treatment gone wrong.
"I took tetracycline in high school... for 18 months," he shares. Little did he know, this acne cure was setting off a bacterial war in his gut.
"What these antibiotics do is they wipe out all the good bacteria in your gut as well. And then that just leaves it wide open for other bad bacteria, parasites, and yeast," Craig explains.
The result? A gut microbiome that looks like a post-apocalyptic wasteland, with the bad guys running amok.
Candida: The Unwelcome Houseguest
One of these bad guys goes by the name of Candida. It's a type of yeast that, when overgrown, can wreak havoc on your system.
Craig found himself with a Candida level of "eight outta 10" – think of it as having a house party where the rowdiest guest invited all their friends and trashed your place.
The solution? "The first thing he did was he gave me a herbal remedy or like a capsule that was knocking out the yeast in my system," Craig says.
And here's where it gets interesting for all you fitness buffs out there – "Basically my anxiety went down almost immediately. As soon as I started getting rid of that Candida, my anxiety started disappearing. I started feeling happier, more calm, more able to just think and create and be in the zone instead of just fearful all the time."
Imagine rolling through the day without that nagging anxiety or brain fog. What might happen to your health and fitness? Sounds like a game-changer, right?
Probiotics: Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Now, you might be thinking, "Cool story, bro. I'll just grab some yogurt from the store."
Not so fast, my friend. Craig drops this truth bomb: "The stuff that you get in yogurt in the store, there's usually only two species and they don't even colonize the small intestine. They only colonize the colon."
It's like sending a couple of recruits to defend Fort Knox – they're outnumbered and outgunned. What you need is an army of good bacteria, and that's where Craig's probiotic yogurt maker comes in.
DIY Probiotic Paradise
Craig's excitement is palpable when he talks about his probiotic yogurt maker. "You can turn a capsule of, say, 10 billion live cultures into trillions of live cultures over the course of 36 hours," he explains.
That's like turning your gut into a five-star resort for good bacteria.
But here's the real kicker – you can customize your probiotic blend based on your fitness goals.
Want to build muscle and have better skin (and who doesn't)? There's a probiotic for that. "L. Reuteri... helps with muscle production, oxytocin, and skin and wrinkles," Craig shares.
It's like having a personal trainer for your gut microbiome.
The Continuous Culture Club
Now, before you think this is a one-and-done deal, Craig drops some real talk: "I think it is [necessary to continually take probiotics] in today's day and age. And that could be because our food system is so toxic and so deplete in minerals."
It's like trying to keep your gains when you're surrounded by junk food and stress – you've got to stay consistent.
But with Craig's method, it's as simple as enjoying a delicious, homemade probiotic yogurt daily.
From Gut to Greatness: Your Action Plan
So, what's the takeaway for all you fitness enthusiasts out there? Here's your gut-to-greatness game plan:
Assess and Address: If you're dealing with unexplained fatigue, mood swings, or plateauing gains, consider getting your gut health checked.
Clean House: Look into natural ways to reduce harmful bacteria and yeast in your gut. Craig's book "Ultimate Health" is a great resource for this.
Cultivate Your Gut Garden: Invest in a high-quality probiotic supplement or, better yet, start making your own probiotic-rich foods at home.
Customize Your Cultures: Research which probiotic strains align with your fitness goals and overall health objectives.
Stay Consistent: Make probiotic-rich foods a regular part of your diet, just like you do with your protein shakes and pre-workout.
Remember, your gut isn't just about digesting that post-workout meal. It's a cornerstone of your overall health and fitness.
As Craig puts it, "I'm on a mission to get people healthy." And now, armed with this knowledge, you're part of that mission too.
So, the next time you're meal prepping or planning your supplement regimen, think beyond the usual suspects.
Your secret weapon for better results, improved mood, and overall health might just be a jar of homemade probiotic yogurt away. Your gut (and your waistline) will thank you.
Key Takeaways
Gut Health is a Game-Changer: Your gut microbiome affects everything from your mood to your muscle gains. Don't neglect it in your fitness journey.
Quality Over Quantity: When it comes to probiotics, more isn't always better. Focus on getting a diverse range of high-quality, live cultures.
Customization is Key: Different probiotic strains offer different benefits. Tailor your probiotic intake to your specific health and fitness goals for optimal results.
Remember, fitness isn't just about what you lift – it's about how you live. And a healthy gut might just be the foundation you've been missing. So, are you ready to give your gut the workout it deserves?
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