Tips to Improving Gut Health and Why You Should Do It

If you’re like most people today, you probably try your best to follow the basics to maintain good health.  Healthy habits like exercising, drinking plenty of water, and following a healthy diet are key to overall well being.  

Furthermore, we all know the importance of keeping on top of regular maintenance of our hearts, brains, lungs, etc.  However, many of us overlook the importance of gut health.  Here are a few insights about gut health and steps you can take to improve yours today.

What is Gut Health (and why is it important)?

When you hear talk about “gut” in terms of health, it is a reference to the condition of the digestive system.  Some key body parts of the digestive system include the small and large intestine, esophagus, and stomach.  The pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and salivary glands are also players in a fully functional digestive system. 

When imbalances or disruptions are found in these or other areas of the digestive system, it could lead to health problems such as a weakened immune system, fatigue, incontinence/diarrhea, bloating, skin irritations, weight gain (or loss), and a whole mess of other health troubles.

Now that we’ve addressed what gut health is, the question lingers; how do we make it better? Here are a few tips you can take to support your gut and improve gut wellness.

Up Your Probiotic Intake to Promote Good Gut Bacteria

Research shows that there are good bacteria in the gut that promotes overall health and wellness.  In fact, there are roughly 50 trillion different types of bacteria found in the small and large intestines. When you think of bacteria, you might assume it’s all bad. In truth, there are good bacteria in the gut that help regulate body functions and improve the immunity system.  

Medical studies show that consuming probiotics in foods or supplements is an effective way to nourish and regulate good bacteria.  Therefore, do your gut a favor, and boost your probiotic intake.  You can do this by enjoying quality probiotic drinks, which are powerful allies in supporting gut health and helping you sustain optimal good bacteria.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can irritate the digestive system.  It can also kill the good bacteria we mentioned earlier.  Moreover, excessive alcohol use has been linked to bacterial infections, inflammation of the gut, and gastritis.  

With this in mind, consider reducing alcohol intake, or at least using the age-old “everything in moderation” policy when it comes to imbibing alcohol.  You might even consider giving up alcohol altogether. Doing so should mean a tremendous improvement for your gut and overall health.

Try Meditation to Reduce Stress

You might be wondering what meditation has to do with a healthy gut.  To explain, stress and anxiety are big factors when it comes to digestive disorders and gut imbalances.  In fact, excessive stress has been linked to gut conditions such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).  

To combat the ravaging effects emotional unrest can trigger in the gut, try meditation.  Meditation has a miraculous way of calming the mind, and harmonizing the entire body.  It’s an ancient practice that has consistently proven effective in reducing stress, improving mental and physical health as well as boosting mood and energy levels.

Choose Right Foods to Eat (or not to eat)

Conditions such as LGS (Leaky Gut Syndrome), Crohn’s Disease, or IBS can often be managed through proper diet.  While medications and supplements might be prescribed, in many cases avoiding certain foods and introducing healthier options can manifest noticeable results.  

Certain foods are more effective at bolstering gut health than others.  For instance, fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, and kimchi are go-to choices for supporting your gut.  Other foods that promote good digestive health include olive oil, almonds, and bananas.  Foods to avoid include the “usual suspects,” such as fatty, sugary foods found in processed or junk food.  

The Last Word on gut Health 

In conclusion, gut health impacts every aspect of your brain, body, and mood.  Therefore, it’s critical to become more mindful about what you are doing to support your digestive system

The more you invest in improving the health of your gut through diet, lifestyle, or natural medicine, the more you will feel significantly better.  From enhanced immunity, uplifted mood, better focus, and even losing weight – there is practically no end to the benefits of having a happy gut.