These days, more and more people are keen to look after their physical well-being. This includes having a healthy sleep cycle, taking daily exercise, and reducing caffeine and alcohol. Interestingly, the health of your gut is also important because it affects everything from your brain to your immune system. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 things you need to know about gut health.

The Value Of Supplements

Supplements can be in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, energy bars, and liquids. People take dietary supplements for a variety of reasons, such as to make up for an insufficient diet, boost energy or lose weight. Some people take them to prevent or treat specific conditions, such as osteoporosis or joint pain. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to taking dietary supplements for gut health, however. The best way forward is to speak with a healthcare professional about your individual needs.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (usually bacteria) that provide health benefits when consumed. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that acts as fuel for the probiotics (good bacteria) in your gut. If you want them in tablet form, the internet can help you find prebiotics to support good gut bacteria, and you can view product photos and dosages online. Specialist websites also discuss their shelf life, whether they need to be refrigerated and whether they leave an aftertaste.

What’s A Healthy Gut?

If you have good bacteria in your gut, it will help with nutrient absorption and keep the bad bacteria (that can cause infections, inflammation, and diarrhea) in check.

Immunity And Digestion

The good bacteria in your gut help to train your immune system. Scientists found that children who were given a probiotic supplement daily for six months had fewer respiratory infections and missed less school than those who didn’t take the supplement. A healthy gut it essential for proper digestion. Good gut bacteria help break down food and eliminate waste products.

Weight Loss And Heart Health

One study found that participants taking a probiotic supplement lost more weight and body fat than those who didn’t have it. A healthy gut may help to protect against heart disease. The research found that participants consuming a probiotic supplement had lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels than those who didn’t.

Diabetes And Mental Health

Maintaining a healthy gut can help to prevent type II diabetes. It was found that participants taking a probiotic supplement for 12 weeks had better blood sugar control than those who didn’t. Numerous studies have found a link between gut health and mental health. Scientists discovered that participants who took a probiotic supplement for three weeks had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who didn’t have it.

What’s An Unhealthy Gut?

An unhealthy gut is often the result of an imbalance in the digestive system. There are many different factors that can create this, including:

• Eating processed foods and having too much sugar
• Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes
• Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics
• Having a chronic stress disorder

This can lead to a range of medical problems, including:

• Indigestion and heartburn
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating and gas
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

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Foods That Improve Gut Health

There are many different types of foods that can improve this. Some examples include:

• Yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, and miso soup
• Tempeh, sauerkraut and kefir
• Oats, garlic, and onions
• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans and legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthy fats like olive oil

Fiber helps to keep things moving along in the digestive system and promotes regularity. Healthy fats are important for the absorption of vitamins and minerals. You may wish to go online later and research some gut-friendly recipes.

Foods To Avoid

What foods are bad for the gut? Here are some specific examples:

• Refined carbohydrates: White bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, etc.
• Fried foods: french fries, fried chicken, etc.
• Processed meats: bacon, sausage, hot dogs, etc.
• Soda and other sugary drinks: This includes fruit juices as well.
• Alcohol: Too much alcohol can be damaging to the gut lining.
• Dairy: Some people are lactose intolerant and dairy can cause bloating and gas.

While you may not need to avoid all of these foods forever, it’s important to listen to your body when it comes to food sensitivities. If you notice that you feel bloated or have more gastrointestinal issues after eating certain foods, it’s best to avoid them.

Stress And Antibiotics

When we’re uptight, our bodies release a hormone named cortisol. Cortisol can increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, it’s important to find ways to manage stress in order to maintain a healthy gut. Certain medications can also affect gut health. For instance, antibiotics can kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut. This can disrupt the delicate balance of microbes and lead to digestive problems. If you’re taking medication that you think maybe affect this, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.

Exercise And Sleep

As most people know, exercise has a number of benefits for our overall health. Exercise can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to better gut health. Additionally, exercise can help improve our digestion by promoting regular bowel movements. It can also help reduce stress, which as we discussed earlier, can be a trigger for gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, incorporating some physical activity into your daily routine is a great way to keep your gut healthy and happy. Also, getting enough sleep is important for overall health, and this includes gut health. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can disrupt the balance of microbes in the gut and lead to inflammation.

Conclusion

No doubt you’ve found these 6 things about gut health both interesting and helpful. You can use these facts to shape both your diet and lifestyle in a positive way. Do the same thing for your family, and share this information with your friends and colleagues too. By responsibly stewarding our gut health, we can live long and happy lives together.