Let’s talk about your gut. Do you have frequent stomachaches or bloating? Does it seem like the discomfort just won’t go away?
Well, this is because good gut health requires constant upkeep. And abusing your gut can result in constant discomfort or even serious illness.
But these five tips will help you start improving your gut health immediately. If you can establish these things as habits, you’ll be feeling great in no time.
1. Prebiotics and Probiotics
Your gut depends on the balance of different bacteria to stay healthy. Probiotics are critical to this balance. They can help reduce inflammation and boost the levels of good bacteria in your gut.
You can take probiotic supplements, but it is easy enough to introduce probiotics to your gut through diet choices. Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha are all great ways to get probiotic doses.
To maximize the effects of probiotics, they have to be paired with prebiotics. Prebiotics come from foods rich in fiber like apples and wheat. To improve your gut health, stay away from greasy foods, and stock up on foods rich in pre- and probiotics.
2. Get Enough Sleep
Your body is on a natural schedule, and the more you mess with that schedule, the more you throw off your body’s rhythm. This can be detrimental to your gut health.
Aid your gut by getting enough sleep. And try to stay consistent about your sleep schedule. Sleeping for approximately the same number of hours every night, and during the same time frame, is really good for your gut.
It also helps if you avoid eating right before you go to sleep. Let your body take a break and heal from the digestion process.
3. Live an Active Lifestyle
Physical activity can increase the diversity of bacteria in your gut. But this doesn’t mean you have to start serious training. Simply living an active lifestyle will do the trick.
Consider going for a walk once per day. Or biking to work instead of driving. These things will stimulate healthy movement in your gut.
4. Destress
Stress is the enemy of a healthy gut. Believe it or not, stress and anxiety can reduce your gut health exponentially.
Find ways to proactively deal with stress. This can be a breathing ritual, finding social outlets, or even meditation. Your gut will thank you for keeping your stress levels in check.
5. Stay Hydrated
Water, water, water. Staying hydrated is key to a healthy gut because water helps keep your gut functioning properly.
Make sure you are drinking the appropriate amount of water for your body. Consider carrying a reusable water bottle with you if you often forget to drink water.
This also means staying away from other liquids that can dehydrate you. Drink less coffee and alcohol, and drink more water to improve your gut health.
Improve Your Gut Health Today
Your gut is key to a healthy life. Whether you realize it or not, your gut actually impacts every other aspect of your health. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to adopt gut-loving habits into your daily routine. Get started today!