Over the years complex research has been taken out in regard to gut health. Links between gut health and your immune system, mental health and mood have been identified. If you don’t consider your gut health, then maybe now is the time to start and it could be the reason why you are feeling unwell and not yourself.
Here are six ways that you can improve your gut health to work towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Amend Your Diet
Changing your diet can often feel quite daunting but it certainly doesn’t have to be. Making small changes to your diet like reducing the amount of processed, high-fat, and high-sugar foods you eat can have a positive impact on your gut health. Try to opt for lean proteins and plant-based foods. Recently, the food market has seen a surge in plant-based products, and you’ll tend to find a lot more options are available in your local supermarket. If you feel you need to boost your diet, for instance, if you are unable to consume enough probiotics through foods you eat, you may wish to consider taking supplements (especially if you can make use of something like these Gundry MD coupons to help you save some money on these supplements). Gut health supplements can help your body digest food and add good bacteria to the body, eliminating bad bacteria and restoring balance. Before taking any supplements it is always best to check reviews like Onnit Total Gut health review to look at the pros and cons and to ensure the ingredients are suitable for you.
If your diet is high in fibre, then this is a positive as fibre has been proven to contribute massively to better gut health. Try to conduct some research of your own to find out what foods are high in fibre and how you can slip them into your everyday diet.
Check For Food Intolerances
A food intolerance is when your body cannot digest food properly and leads to a number of symptoms such as bloating, nausea and stomach pain. You should try to make the effort to identify foods which you struggle to digest. It is important to note that symptoms can appear hours after eating a certain food so at times it can be difficult to highlight the issue.
Luckily, you can get a food intolerance test from companies like Check My Body Health who will help you identify any intolerances which could be affecting your digestive system and overall gut health. Having a better knowledge of your intolerances can allow you to adapt your diet to contribute towards a healthier gut.
Ensure You Are Getting Enough Sleep
It has been suggested that getting a good night’s sleep can help improve your overall mood, cognition and gut health. The human gut is more complex than you may have first thought and elements like sleep can have a huge impact. It is advised that you try to get between 7 to 8 hours sleep each night. A poor sleeping pattern can have a negative impact on your gut health and contribute to more issues in the long run.
If you are struggling to get a healthy sleep pattern going then check out this article which gives some great tips on how to better your sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping it can also be advised that you speak to your GP for some expert advice.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
We all experience the negative feeling of stress from time to time and sometimes it can be hard to get away from it. However, high levels of stress can be detrimental to your health and can also have a negative impact on your gut health. If you are prone to stress and struggle to cope with it then it can be a good idea to look into some activities that could help you.
Spending time with loved ones or taking a stroll down to your favourite café are just some ways that you can work towards lowering your stress levels.
Exercise Regularly
Consistent exercise can improve your gut health and contribute towards a healthier lifestyle. Exercise comes in all forms, and you don’t have to be the sportiest individual to find a form of exercise that is right for you. Exercise can be an opportunity for you to get out and explore what’s on your doorstep. Running can be a great way to exercise or if that isn’t your cup of tea then walking is also hugely beneficial to your overall health.
If you find the thought of exercise quite daunting, then there are a number of exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home. Check out this article for some home workout inspiration.
Drink Plenty of Water
It may sound simple but so many of us forget to hydrate ourselves throughout the day. Drinking plenty of fluids can help balance out the good bacteria in your gut. If you are a fan of sugary drinks, then try to swap this out for water as this will have a positive impact on your gut. Too much sugar can decrease the amount of good bacteria in your gut.
If you use artificial sweeteners in your drinks, then you should also be wary. These have been known to increase your blood sugar despite not actually being sugar itself. This can cause gut dysbiosis, which is an imbalance of gut microbes. Remind yourself that all liquids aren’t good for your gut health so choose your drinks wisely.
Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.
