Gut Health

Did you know that your gut is at the foundation of your health? Without a healthy gut, we cannot reach our optimal health. The gut is responsible for absorbing the nutrients we consume, immune system support, proper digestion, managing inflammation, disease prevention, and even mental health!

I will dive more into these in a couple of weeks. But for now, I want to touch on 5 simple ways you can start improving your gut health today.

1. Increase fiber intake. Fiber plays an important role in digestion and other areas of health. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts in your diet. Aim to get 25 grams of fiber daily.
2. Stay hydrated. Water helps soften stools, prevents constipation, and aids in digestion. Aim to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water daily.
3. Incorporate probiotics and fermented foods. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut. You can find them in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. Including probiotic-rich foods in your diet helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome and supports digestion.
4. Minimize processed foods and sugar. Highly processed foods and excessive sugar can negatively impact gut health. These foods often lack fiber and essential nutrients while promoting the growth of harmful bacteria. Consume whole foods as much as possible and limit your intake of sugary treats and beverages.
5. Manage stress. Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut and affect digestion. Find healthy ways to manage stress such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and exercise. 

Our gut microbiome is a powerful thing and it is so often ignored. So many things we do and consume affect our gut health, which in turn affects our overall health. If gut health is something you have not prioritized before, I encourage you to try the five tips to help you work on healing your gut.