If you have digestive issues that are impacting your day-to-day life, it may be time to take a serious look at your gut. Your gut microbiome contains trillions of microorganisms, some of which are beneficial, while others are potentially harmful. If your gut health has become compromised, it can lead to several uncomfortable conditions, including IBS, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and constipation.
The good news is you can improve your gut health naturally by implementing the following strategies.
1. Feed Your Gut What It Needs
One of the most important steps in fixing your gut health is providing it with the nutrients it requires. Incorporate a variety of fermented foods, such as kimchi, kefir, kombucha, and yogurt. These foods are rich in beneficial probiotics that support the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Additionally, try to incorporate prebiotic-rich foods to nourish your gut microbes, including onions, apples, garlic, and asparagus. You should aim to eat at least 30 different plants each week to promote a healthy and diverse gut population.
2. Get Enough Sleep Every Night
In your pursuit to cultivate a healthy gut, it’s important to get adequate sleep each night. Poor or insufficient sleep can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and increase inflammation throughout your digestive system. You should strive to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to support optimal gut health. Creating a bedtime routine can help you fall asleep faster each night and promote better sleep quality.
3. Limit Your Alcohol Intake
No one thinks alcohol is a health food, but did you know that alcohol can impede your gut healing progress? For this reason, it’s best to limit your consumption or avoid it altogether if you are suffering with chronic gut symptoms. Alcohol disrupts the balance of your gut bacteria and causes inflammation throughout your digestive system. By reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, you can support a healthier gut and promote optimal digestive function.
4. Move Your Body Daily
If you want to improve your gut microbiome, get your body moving. Exercise in all forms can help improve your gut health by increasing the number of beneficial microbial species. That’s right peeps, movement can enrich the diversity of the little critters in your gut that are responsible for weight loss, gut barrier health, and the production of important metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids.
You don’t have to become a hardcore gym nut or do CrossFit seven times a week to reap the benefits of physical activity. Start by taking a walk around your neighborhood a few times a week, gradually increasing the distance you walk each week.
5. Find Ways to Manage Your Stress
In addition to your diet and lifestyle, your mental health also plays a role in your gut health. Chronic stress can weaken the balance of your gut bacteria and negatively impact digestion. Try incorporating various coping skills to deal with stress, including meditation, deep breathing, and self-care tasks. An easy start is to chew your food well while eating in a calm, and mindful manner. This does not mean gobbling an hours-old smashed fastfood burger while zipping to your next errand.
6. Stay Hydrated
Lastly, proper hydration is crucial for a healthy gut. Like every other system in your body, your gut needs a certain balance of fluids to perform optimally. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your digestive system on track and running smoothly. Remember to always take water with you while exercising or spending time outdoors and aim to drink at least eight glasses a day.
Unlock Optimal Gut Health with EverVital Nutrition
In addition to implementing these lifestyle changes, consider adding gut-loving supplements to your daily routine. At EverVital Nutrition, we offer a wide range of supplements to restore and promote a healthy gut and improve digestion. Explore our collection of supplements today or contact us for help determining which supplements are right for you.
