What’s the best way to improve gut health naturally?
Before we can answer that question, we must first understand what a healthy gut looks like. The stomach and intestinal tract are home to a diverse and complex combination of certain types of bacteria. A healthy balance of microorganisms is not only essential for a properly functioning gut, but becomes intertwined with proper brain and body health. Trillions of microorganisms live in the gut, most being acquired as an infant passing through the birth canal.
The gut brain connection is one that shouldn’t be ignored. A disturbed or inflamed gut will send signals to the brain, just as a stressed brain will send signals to the gut. The makeup of a person’s stomach and intestinal tract can be the direct cause of stress, anxiety and depression. All your behaviors and emotions may be directly related to your gut health.
Importance of Gut Health
If you want to be a happier, healthier person, it’s best you concentrate on what you eat daily. A healthy gut may help control weight gain, control blood sugar, reduce the risk of diabetes, may promote good cholesterol and triglycerides, improve brain health and mood, and allow your body to better digest fiber. If you are constantly consuming unhealthy and processed foods, your gut health will suffer, causing the entire health of your body to decline.
Worst Foods for Gut Health
If you want to improve your gut health, you must avoid the foods that undermine your gut health. A list of the worst foods for gut health include:
- Foods containing antibiotics
- Fried foods
- Food containing artificial sweeteners
- Alcohol
- Animal proteins like meat, dairy, eggs, etc.
- Any food which has high FODMAP (fermentable, oligosaccharide, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols)
Signs of a Healthy Gut
There are easy ways to tell if your gut is affecting the rest of the health of your body. Common signs of a healthy gut are:
- You have healthy looking skin.
- Your stools do not have a foul smell.
- Your stools are smooth, not too hard and not too soft.
- You feel good most of the time.
- You are rarely stressed
Gut Health Supplement
To boost your gut health naturally, there are certain supplements that may be able to help you out. Try this list of supplements for your gut health.
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics
- Collagen peptides
- DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)
- Peppermint oils
- L-Glutamine
Probiotics for Gut Health
Probiotics are especially good for the health of your digestive system. Therefore, taking supplements and foods rich in probiotics help to improve gut health. Foods rich in probiotics are:
- Sugar Free Greek Yogurt
- Fermented food like Kimchi, Tempeh, Miso, Kefir, etc.
- Cottage cheese and products that are produced after culturing milk with bacteria
Healthy Gut Diet Plan
To reboot the microbiome and to improve the health of your digestive system, you must follow a healthy gut diet plan. Therefore, when deciding a healthy gut diet plan, you should know which foods to eat and which to avoid.
The Best Foods to Eat for a Healthy Gut Include:
- Vegetables like peas, cabbage, and brussel sprouts
- Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi
- Roots and tubers
- Fruits and seeds
- Fish
- Healthy fats and oils
- Herb and spices
Foods to Avoid for Proper Gut Health:
- Wheat-based food
- Junk or processed food
- Dairy products
- Processed meats
- Gluten-containing grains
- Refined oils
- Sugary Beverages
Summary: How to Improve Gut Health Naturally
Excellent gut health is important for the health and the proper functioning of your digestive system, your brain and your body. Consume foods that enable your gut to thrive. Avoid bad habits such as drinking, smoking, and taking stress for better gut health. Concentrate on your gut and your overall being will thrive and shine.
Have you made an attempt to improve your gut? Why or why not? Let me know below!!
