Tips for Improving Your Gut Health

The health of your gut is closely linked to your overall health and wellbeing. Taking the time to learn about how you can support your gut can help to boost your health in general. Not only will you enjoy better digestion when you focus on gut health, but you may also notice improvements in your immune function, energy levels, and mental health.

The beneficial bacteria in your gut perform a number of essential functions. They keep the levels of 'bad' bacteria low, prevent pathogens from entering your bloodstream through the intestinal wall, and break down foods to produce vitamins and short-chain fatty acids that are important for several bodily functions. Your gut bugs also produce serotonin and communicate with your brain to impact your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

So, keeping your gut bacteria happy is vital. Here are some top ways to improve your gut health.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for your gut health. They are available as supplements or in foods. Probiotic foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, fermented pickles or cabbage, yogurt, miso, and tempeh.

Probiotics can help to balance out the levels of potentially negative bacteria in your gut and enable the beneficial bacteria to thrive. They can also reduce inflammation in your gut to minimize digestive issues.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are carbohydrates that cannot be broken down by your digestive system but can be metabolized by your gut bugs. Prebiotic fibers fuel the beneficial bacteria in your gut and help them to become more tolerant to temperature or pH changes. Foods that contain prebiotics include bananas, asparagus, garlic, onions, and whole grains.

Lower your stress levels

Stress can negatively impact your gut health. It can lead to lower levels of beneficial bacteria and higher levels of potentially harmful bacteria. It may also lead to more severe digestive symptoms, like bloating and abdominal cramping.

Focusing on stress management can boost your gut health (and your mental health). To minimize your stress, focus on getting enough sleep each night, practicing some form of mindfulness, and optimizing your environment for comfort.