Did you know that more than half of your body’s immune system lies in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract? Clearly, your gut health is closely linked to your overall health and wellbeing. But, what exactly does it mean when people talk about a healthy gut?
Your gut is filled with microorganisms like good bacteria and yeast which promote healthy digestion. An imbalance in this gut microbiota can cause several gastrointestinal conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), negatively affect your immune system, and even result in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atopy.
So, maintaining the balance of small bacteria and other microorganisms that live in your digestive tract is crucial to ensuring your physical, mental, and immune health.
Top Tips on How to Maintain Gut Health
Exercise, Exercise, & Exercise
Engaging in any kind of physical activity keeps your colon healthy and ensures regular and clear bowel movements.
As per the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity each week.
They should also make muscle-strengthening exercises a part of their weekly exercise regimen. This is more so important for people who are prone to serious digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Shift to a Nutrient-Rich Diet
The kind of food people eat can directly impact their gut. Ideally, you should consume smaller, more frequent meals. This can prevent the GI tract from getting overwhelmed.
Eating a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients is directly linked to a happy gut. Try including the following food items in your diet:
- Fresh, Unprocessed, and Clean Food
- Mixed Diets Lead to the Growth of Diverse Microbiomes in the Gut
- Fiber-Rich Vegetables, Legumes, and Fruits, Such as Raspberries, Green Peas, Broccoli, Chickpeas, Artichoke, Lentils, Banana, Beans, Apples, and More
- Food Rich in Polyphenols, Such as Cocoa and Dark Chocolate, Red Wine, Grape Skins, Green Tea, Almonds, and Blueberries
Remember to eat at least 25 grams of fiber a day. You also need to chew your food thoroughly to make it easier for your digestive system to process. Additionally, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep the body hydrated.
Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are known for their ability to reduce symptoms of certain medical conditions, boost immune health, improve depressive symptoms, and even promote weight loss. They also encourage the growth of good bacteria in your gut.
Probiotic and fermented food like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, and fresh sauerkraut must be a part of your everyday diet. Alternatively, you can also choose to consume high-quality probiotic supplements, such as Problk Health’s Gut Reaction – Probiotic Advanced Formula, to effectively improve your gut health.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Your stress levels and gut health can be directly proportional to each other. The more stressed you are, the more negatively it will impact gut health. This is why embracing an active lifestyle—complete with yoga, therapy, meditation, and journaling—is key to not just your gut health, but your overall physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Limit the alcohol and caffeine intake
Both caffeine and alcohol act as digestive stimulants and can disrupt the digestive process. So, limit their intake for a healthy gut.
Maintaining your gut health should be an integral part of your healthcare regime. The team at Problk Health Vitamins will gladly help you find the right probiotic supplements to ensure a healthy gut and body.
