You’ve probably heard of the phrase “gut health,” but what does it really mean? In short, gut health refers to the balance between good and bad bacteria in your digestive system. When your gut health is in balance, you’ll experience improved digestion and stronger immunity—but if it’s out of balance, you may experience a wide range of issues such as bloating, cramping, fatigue, and more. So how can you improve your gut health? Read on for our guide.
Eat Prebiotic Foods
Prebiotics are substances that help feed and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. The best sources of prebiotics are foods like bananas, onions, garlic, artichokes, legumes, oats, apples, and Jerusalem artichokes. Eating a variety of these foods can help encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.
Take Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help balance out the bacteria in your digestive system. Probiotic supplements can come in capsule or powder form; look for ones with multiple strains such as lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium bifidum to ensure you’re getting a broad range of beneficial bacteria. It may take some trial and error to find the right probiotic supplement for you; start with lower doses and work up until you find one that works best for you.
Reduce Stress Levels
Stress has been linked to an imbalance between bad and good bacteria in your gut—so reducing stress levels is key to restoring a healthy balance. Try taking up mindfulness activities such as yoga or meditation; these activities can help reduce overall stress levels by calming both body and mind. Additionally, make sure to get enough sleep each night (at least 7-8 hours) as this will also help reduce stress levels and give your body time to recover from daily stressors.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your body overall – including your gut health! Water helps flush out toxins from our bodies and keeps everything running smoothly. Aim for 8-10 glasses per day (64-80 ounces), or more if you’re exercising heavily or sweating a lot due to heat.
To Conclude
Gut health is an important part of overall wellness—and there are plenty of ways that you can improve yours! Start by eating prebiotic foods like bananas, onions, garlic and legumes; supplement with probiotics; and reduce stress levels through mindfulness activities such as yoga or meditation. With dedication and consistency over time, these steps can help restore a healthy balance of good vs bad bacteria in your digestive system – leading to improved digestion, stronger immunity, and better overall well-being!