Gut Health

Your digestive system is one of the most complex parts of your body. It helps break down food, turns it into the nutrients your body needs and eliminates waste. Its functions also influence your weight, mental health and immunity.

There are many factors that impact your digestive system health, such as age and medical conditions. Fortunately, you can improve your digestion by making healthier food choices and managing stress.

Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods provide fiber, which your gut bacteria need to thrive.

Consume probiotic fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut. These contain live microbes that feed your good bacteria and help them grow, reducing the number of harmful bacteria in your gut.

Increase your intake of prebiotic fruit and veg, such as bananas, apples, garlic, onions, fennel, pak choi, cold potatoes and asparagus. These foods help the friendly bacteria bloom, but they have to be eaten in moderate amounts over time to give your gut a chance to adapt to these new types of food.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners. This can disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis.

Reduce your stress levels, exercise, get a good night’s sleep and avoid antibiotics if possible. These simple changes can make a big difference to your overall health.

Your gut bacteria play a huge role in your life, and ensuring you have a healthy population is essential to your well-being. Your gut is a gateway to many other systems in your body, and maintaining the right balance of bacteria is critical to your overall health.