Your gut is almost like your second brain. It’s where trillions of microorganisms reside (known as the gut microbiome, digestive processes occur, and neurotransmitter production begins.
The importance of gut health has become a popular topic in the modern day, and more people now recognize that great gut health leads to better overall health. Studies have confirmed that there is a close link between your gut health and all other aspects of your well-being, including your physical and mental health.
Similarly, studies have shown that gut dysbiosis can increase the risk of chronic illnesses and diseases. Gut dysbiosis occurs when there is an imbalance in the different microbial species in your colon, particularly when the potentially harmful microorganisms outweigh the beneficial ones.
So, looking after your gut is essential to living a long and healthy life. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to improve your gut health.
Easy Ways to Boost Your Gut Health
Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best thing that you can do to maintain great gut health, but what does a healthy lifestyle actually involve? Here are some great things you can do daily to keep your gut bugs happy.
Take probiotics
Thanks to the supporting studies showing the benefits of probiotic supplementation, more people are consuming them regularly. Probiotics contain millions of colonies of beneficial bacterial species that support your existing gut microbiome and reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your colon.
Probiotic consumption can also reduce the severity of pre-existing digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you suffer from chronic digestive issues, your healthcare provider might prescribe probiotics to relieve your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
There is no shortage of probiotic supplements on the market nowadays, some better than others. If you find a probiotic supplement that you like the look of, perform a quick background check on the company to determine its credibility.
You should also read through the reviews of a probiotic product before purchasing it. For example, if you read through the Floraspring reviews, you can learn what people love about the product and think about whether it’s a good choice for you.
Take digestive enzymes
Everybody produces digestive enzymes intrinsically, but some people don’t produce enough. Inadequate levels of digestive enzymes can lead to digestive issues like bloating, excess gas, and constipation.
Digestive enzymes help to break down the food that you ingest, enabling you to absorb as many nutrients as possible in your diet.
You can take digestive enzyme supplements to support your natural digestive processes and reduce the risk of gut health issues. The most popular digestive enzyme products are those that contain every kind of enzyme, including amylase, lipase, protease, and peptidase. However, you can get enzyme-specific supplements if you’re deficient in just one type.
Note that you should always speak to your doctor or midwife before starting any new supplements if you’re pregnant. Whether you’re in early pregnancy or you’re close to giving birth, supplements can carry risks, and it’s best to double-check.
Eat prebiotic-rich foods
We’ve spoken about probiotics, but now let’s talk about prebiotics, which is just as beneficial for your gut health. Prebiotics are fibers that fuel the positive bacteria in your colon, enabling them to thrive.
There are lots of different prebiotic foods, like beans, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Including plenty of these foods in your diet will support the probiotic bacteria in your gut and keep digestive issues at bay.
Prebiotics have also been shown to help with blood sugar regulation, making them especially helpful for individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Exercise regularly
Physical activity forms a key part of a healthy lifestyle. It doesn’t just help with weight loss or weight maintenance. It’s also essential for your mental health and your gut health.
Those who exercise regularly tend to have better gut health for a number of reasons. Exercise improves your digestion, immune system, and mood, all of which contribute to great gut health. It also accelerates the growth of beneficial bacteria in your colon, which further boosts your health in every aspect.
You can experience these benefits with all forms of exercise, including walking, running, resistance training, and sports. Find a form of movement that you love and get active!