Gut Health is an essential part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It affects a dizzying number of bodily functions, including digestion, immunity against illness, weight loss, energy and mood.
How to keep your gut healthy:
Eating a balanced diet, including a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, can boost your immune system, fight inflammatory conditions and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. It also promotes a healthy microbiome.
Avoid highly processed foods, which contain high levels of salt, sugars, additives and unhealthy fats. These substances can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, says ZOE co-founder and CEO, Giancarlo Rossi.
Limit animal products, particularly fatty meats and dairy. These can cause Bilophila – bacteria that like bile – to develop, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Eat plenty of plants, legumes and whole grains to help keep the good bacteria in your gut happy. Fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, miso and tempeh, are good for your digestive system too.
Getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy stress level can also improve your gut health. Meditation, yoga and other mind-body activities can help to relieve anxiety and reduce the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Probiotics can also boost the amount of friendly bacteria in your gut. These live germs are available in natural sources, such as yoghurt or kimchi, and in supplements.
Having a healthy, happy gut can boost your overall wellbeing and help you feel more confident. You can get started on your journey by making simple changes to your diet and by taking gut health supplements.
