Here are 10 simple ways to support your gut health.
Health hacking has become very trendy over the last couple years. People are starting to realize the importance of taking care of their bodies and improving their lifestyle habits.
Gut health is something we all strive to achieve, but it doesn’t always come naturally. We’ve got some tips to help you maintain gut health throughout the day.
Eat Real Food
Processed foods aren’t good for your gut health. Many processed foods contain preservatives, artificial ingredients, and additives that aren’t natural and may cause digestive issues like gas and bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Instead, eat whole food items like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes (beans), lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and whole grains.
2. Avoid Sugar
Sugar is often to blame for stomach problems. Eating too much sugar can cause inflammation in the gut lining which may lead to digestive issues like blooming, gas, and diarrhoea Avoiding sugar and high-calorie foods may help prevent these symptoms.
Drink Water
Water both keeps you hydrated and flushes toxins out of your body. Dehydration causes your digestion to slow down and your immune system to weaken. So, drink eight glasses of water every day, and stay hydrated.
Add Fibre
Fibre is important for keeping your digestive system healthy. It helps bind to food particles, so they move through your intestines quickly and prevent them from becoming stuck and causing digestion issues. Fibre-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils and oatmeal.
One word of caution though if increasing your fibre intake causes discomfort then it can be a sign of SIBO or IBS and warrants investigations.
Eat Healthy Fats
Omega 3 fats help improve your immune system, fight off infections, maintain good health, and protect your heart. They may even help prevent cancer from forming. Some good sources of omega 3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, nuts, flaxseed oil (or linseeds), chia seeds, hemp seed, sesame seeds, olives, and avocado.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps improve your health by boosting your metabolism and helping you achieve a better overall fitness level. It also increases blood circulation to your digestive system, helping to eliminate waste and keeping your digestive tract healthy.
Reduce Stress
Stress has serious effects on your health. It makes you feel sluggish, cranky, and bloated. Also stress makes you want unhealthy foods like sweets, snacks, and fast food. Try to reduce your stress levels through exercise, regular sleeping habits, meditation, and taking time off when you’re stressed out.
Stay Hydrated
Gastrointestinal distress caused by dehydration is one of the most common reasons for diarrhoea. Keeping yourself hydrated helps prevent dehydration and keep your gut healthy. Drinking water during the day will help keep your body hydrated. Avoiding caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and carbonated beverages will help prevent dehydration.
Be Mindful
Try to reduce your stress levels by getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, meditating, and taking breaks during stressful situations. You should also be mindful about what you consume. If you know you tend to get bloated after eating certain foods, then avoid those foods or limit yourself to small portions.
Get Enough Rest
Sleeping well is important for keeping your gut healthy. If you’re sleep deprived, you may experience fatigue, which could affect your digestion. Make sure you get at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night.
