Gut Health: Your Secret to Feeling Amazing!
You understand that a healthy gut can efficiently break down and digest food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.
But your gut does so much more than that!
Your gut has a diverse community of bacteria and microbes that work together to keep your gut and immune system in good shape and influence just about your whole life.
So, how do you know if your gut is healthy?
Well, there are a few signs to look out for!
Do you have regular bowel movements that are not too hard or loose?
Do you suffer from symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhoea?
Another way to tell if your gut is healthy is by paying attention to your skin.
Believe it or not, the health of your gut is also closely linked to the health of your skin.
Clear, radiant skin is a good sign that your gut is doing its job correctly.
Do you have areas of dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, breakouts, acne?
Do you have a robust immune system?
Do you get sick or maybe struggle to fight off colds or infections?
Your gut produces neurotransmitters that regulate your mood and behaviour.
How is your mental health?
Do you have a positive attitude or have mood swings and anxiety?
Your answers to these questions indicate that you could benefit from improving your gut health.
Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the microbiome.
These microorganisms play a crucial role in your health and well-being.
The balance and diversity of your microbiome impact many areas, including digestion, immunity, mood, hormones, weight and even your happiness!
So, how can you improve your gut health?
Eat a diverse range of plant-based foods.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes can help to provide the fibre and nutrients necessary to feed and support the growth of healthy gut bacteria and microorganisms.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help to improve digestion, boost immunity and help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
Eating a diverse diet, including some fermented foods, can boost these, as can a good quality supplement.
Prebiotics are food for the probiotics in your body. They feed the good bacteria that keep your digestive system healthy. These are necessary to keep beneficial probiotics healthy and happy.
Prebiotics are a fibre your body can’t digest, but they help feed the good bacteria in your gut. So, think of them as food for the helpful bacteria that keep your digestive system healthy!
Exercise
Take a walk! Regular exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to your gut, reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Plus, it helps to facilitate waste movement through your digestive system more efficiently. Spending time in nature has been shown to boost serotonin (made in the gut) and relieve anxiety.
Stress
Stress increases cortisol, leading to anxiety, stress and weight gain.
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria leading to digestive issues and other health problems.
Reducing stress can help to regulate digestion and decrease inflammation in the gut.
Taking time to relax and good sleep patterns all help to reduce stress.
Sleep
Lack of sleep can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to digestive issues. In addition, sleep deprivation increases stress and interrupts the body’s natural healing and digestion cycle.
Getting a good night’s sleep regularly improves gut health by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Remember, improving gut health is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it may take time to see improvements.
But, by incorporating these simple tips into your lifestyle, you can help support a healthy gut microbiome and start to improve your overall health and well-being.
Click the resources below for more ideas to improve your gut health.
You make an effort to eat right and look after yourself!
Only to be betrayed by the very food that should be healthy for your gut.
Are you interested in reading articles from Harvard Medical School?
I found one that provides helpful tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
