Randy Jackson Explains the Importance of Gut Health After 120-Lb. Weight Loss Over 20 Years

This week, we're taking a look back at the best moments from Season 1 of "The Jennifer Hudson Show" featuring guests who were a major part of "American Idol."

Randy Jackson is opening up about his weight loss.

The former “American Idol” judge reunited with JHud on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” and told the host about his lifelong struggle with health.

Randy said it was only in the past 20 years that he lost 120 pounds, which he says he needed to do because of type 2 diabetes. “My back had issues,” he told Jennifer. Randy says that due to the problems six years ago, he started a company to help others. He believes gut health is key.

“Everything forms in the gut. The mouth is a bad place for bacteria — gotta brush, floss,” Randy said, adding that it keeps the gut clean.

Subscribe to the “Jennifer Hudson Show” newsletter

Asked what his advice is for someone getting started, Randy urged the audience to talk to a heath care provider and perhaps even a behavioral therapist.

“Maybe you’re not looking in the mind,” Randy said. “Weight loss is 80% diet,” the star continued, adding that when people are scared, depressed, or worried, they can satiate themselves with food. But Randy believes that controlling emotions is key, and that’s why psychiatry works.

“We started to get people focused on gut health,” Randy explained about Go With Your Gut Day, which takes place on September 23. Randy believes that to be healthy is to be wealthy, and he values the role a healthy mind has on every cell in the body, saying, “It’s all connected.”

Most importantly, Randy believes in the power of teamwork when making a lifestyle change. There’s no “I” in success!

GUT HEALTH TIPS
• Eat fiber for good gut bacteria.
• Eat prebiotic foods like a green banana and flaxseed daily.
• Floss every day! Your mouth microbiome is the gateway to your gut microbiome.
• Reduce refined sugars and carbs in your diet. They feed the bad gut bacteria.
• Skip fruit juice, eat more whole foods.
• Eat at least one huge green leafy salad a day.

“The Jennifer Hudson Show” airs weekdays. Check your local listings.