You may not know it, but there is a thriving ecosystem in your body, with millions of microorganisms living inside your gut. This microbiome is still largely unknown, but doctors and scientists have discovered that gut health plays a vital role in overall health.
If you want to live a healthier life, you might want to start with your gut. Keeping those beneficial microorganisms happy and healthy can positively impact your own health and well-being. Here are our ten ways to get started.
- Use caution when taking antibiotics. When you have an infection, antibiotics work by killing off all bacteria, both good and bad. Taking antibiotics incorrectly, or when you do not really need them, could harm your gut health.
- Eat a rich and varied diet. The microbes in your gut get their nutrients the same way you do, through the foods that you eat. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and one with plenty of variety is best for nurturing those friendly microorganisms.
- Consider probiotic supplements. Probiotic supplements replace the beneficial microbes killed off by taking antibiotics or leading an unhealthy lifestyle.
- Reduce stress in your life. When you are stressed and anxious, you feel it in your gut. The stomach upset and indigestion associated with stress and anxiety is a result of harm to your gut health, so look for ways to relax and unwind.
- Bulk up on fiber. A lack of fiber in your diet could be affecting your gut health, so bulk up on whole grains and other healthy foods.
- Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is good for your health, including the health of your gut. Drink plenty of fresh, pure water and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and other liquids that could be bad for your gut health.
- Get tested for food allergies and intolerance. While less common than many people think, allergies to wheat and other dietary ingredients happen.
- Include fermented foods in your diet. From kimchee to sauerkraut, fermented foods are full of beneficial bacteria and other microbes and can be good for your gut health. So load up on these pungent delicacies; your gut will thank you.
- Get plenty of sleep. A good night’s sleep is good for your body and mind, helping you reduce stress and improve your mental outlook and physical well-being. Practicing good sleep hygiene, eliminating nighttime distractions, and limiting caffeine can also improve your sleep and gut health.
- Don’t skip the dentist. A trip to the dentist is probably not your idea of a good time, but avoiding routine dental care could harm your health in more ways than one. There is a direct connection between good oral hygiene and good gut health, so brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.
So much relies on your gut health, from how well you digest food to how easy it is to maintain a proper weight. With so much riding on the friendly microbes inside your body, it’s vital to take good care of those tiny organisms. To learn more, give us a call today!
