Gut Health
The gut plays a vital role in your overall health, immunity, and risk for chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s a complex network of microbes that help you digest foods, absorb essential nutrients, synthesize vitamins and stimulate nerve function.
Your gut microbiome is the most dense and diverse population of bacteria in your body. An imbalance in bacteria can lead to a variety of issues, including skin problems, autoimmune diseases and depression.
Eating the right foods can help your gut bacteria thrive and reduce inflammation. It’s best to eat a wide range of fresh whole foods from plant sources, like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains.
Try incorporating fermented foods into your diet to support healthy gut bacteria. Consider adding kefir to your smoothies or using miso as the base for soups and sauces.
Stay hydrated to keep your digestive tract running smoothly. Carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of sips throughout the day.
Avoid fried foods that can damage your immune system and your gut bacteria. Red meat is also a major contributor to clogged arteries, so it’s best to stick with lean proteins instead.
If you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, or other gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease, it is helpful to get regular check-ups and take probiotic supplements. These dietary supplements can help boost the good bacteria in your gut to help control these symptoms and prevent them from coming back.