The term “good” gut health is often associated with the idea that having the proper balance of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract is very important for good health. However, it can be challenging to maintain this type of health. There are various natural ways to improve your gut health.
Eat Foods Rich in Fiber and Probiotics
According to studies, fiber can help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut by stimulating their growth. Some vegetables and fruits, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, and beets, are full of fiber. Whole grains, as well as other types of food, are also beneficial sources of fiber.
Some fermented food products, such as yogurt, are also known to help improve the health of your gut by attracting more beneficial bacteria. Some studies suggest that regular yogurt consumption can help decrease the risk of various gastrointestinal conditions, such as constipation and diarrhea.
Look into Supplements
As the popularity of probiotic supplements continues to rise, there’s growing evidence supporting their use to improve gut health. Although these supplements aren’t panacea, they can help restore a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria.
If you’re considering taking probiotic supplements, make sure you speak with your doctor. Although these products are safe to use, they can still cause harmful effects in some people.
Exercise
Getting active can help improve the health of your gut by attracting more beneficial bacteria. In both human and animal studies, it has been shown that regular exercise can help increase the diversity of beneficial microbes in the gut.
Although several studies support the idea of diet and exercise as contributing factors to improving gut health, a review conducted in 2019 revealed that regular exercise could also affect the composition and function of gut bacteria. The researchers found that high-intensity training and longer workouts can contribute to the diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Drinking alcohol can also negatively affect the health of your gut microbiome. Repeated use of alcohol can trigger inflammation, leading to conditions such as gastritis and ulcers.
Drinking too much alcohol can also negatively affect the health of your gut microbiome. According to studies, this type of inflammation can alter the gut’s composition of the beneficial bacteria.
Reduce Stress
A feeling of stress is not just about mental anxiety or excitement. According to experts in the field of gut health, the connection between mental health and the gut is strong. Although we don’t know precisely how the relationship between the two is related, it’s widely believed that the gut plays a significant role in the development of mental health.
Studies also suggest that depression and anxiety are linked to the gut microbiome. People who suffer from IBS are more prone to experiencing these mental health issues.