How To Improve Your Gut Health

Gut health is of major importance for our overall well being because it connects with the brain and it also breaks down the food we consume, which is later turned into vital nutrients.

In case you missed the first part, where we explain the importance of our gut health, click here to learn more.

Expensive prebiotic supplements shouldn’t be your go-to option when you experience gut problems, but they can help and are a good place to start. 

The good bacteria your body requires don’t have to come from pills.

In fact, consuming healthy food can impact the amount of “good” bacteria we have in our digestive system.

6 Tips To Improve Your Gut Health

Change Your Diet

Getting rid of high sugar, trans-fats, and processed food should be your first priority if you want your gut to thank you.

Consuming more lean protein such as chicken/turkey breasts, lean beef, fish, and quality fibers (oats, whole-grain bread/pasta, leafy green vegetables, flaxseeds etc.) will benefit your digestive system.

In fact, eating a high-fiber diet has been proven to alter our guts in a positive manner.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drinking 8 glasses of water per day may sound like the most annoying thing your mom used to tell you, but it is actually true.

Keeping your body hydrated has been shown to have a positive effect on the balance of the good bacteria in our guts.

Don’t Rush When Eating

Keeping a slow pace when consuming food slowly is of major importance for the health of your gut.

For this reason, chewing slowly can help you digest your food better and absorb all required nutrients. 

So, next time when you are trying to eat as fast as you can, slow down for a second, and think how your gut will react if you continue at the same pace.

Sleep More

Getting enough uninterrupted sleep is a complicated process for a lot of people, especially those with kids out there.

However, not getting enough quality sleep can have a great impact on your gut health.

Try to prioritize getting at least 7-8 hours a night.

Not only will it help you maintain a healthy gut, but you will also be more productive throughout the day.

Eat Fermented Foods

Fermentation is a process where the sugar many foods contain is broken down into bacteria or yeast.

One of the foods, which is easy to get and cheap is sauerkraut and kimchi.

Natural Yogurt and fermented drinks like Kefir are also rich in lactobacilli, which is a bacteria that can benefit your gut health.

Eat Dark Chocolate

We can almost see the smiles of all chocolate lovers out there.

Polyphenols, which are plant-based molecules that are rich in fiber, are found in dark chocolate. 

They travel to our intestines where microbes use them for fuel.

Other foods and beverages that are rich in polyphenols are:

  • Blueberries
  • Green Tea
  • Cocoa
  • Broccoli
  • Almonds
  • Onions

In Summary

A disrupted gut microbiome can lead to many chronic diseases.

There are a lot of lifestyle changes that you can make and with some effort, you can maintain a healthy gut.

Avoid artificial sweeteners as much as possible.

Eat plenty of vegetables and fresh unprocessed foods. Beans, legumes, and whole-grain foods should also be in your diet.

Your Gut Health is in your hands now.