How to Improve Your Gut Health

The human microbiome is an amazing collection of microorganisms that live in and on the human body.

These microorganisms are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. The gut flora is one type of microorganism in the gut that helps to digest food and synthesize vitamins. Microbes in the gut also help to regulate immune responses, promote healthy digestion, and prevent disease-causing microbes from growing inside us.

In this article, let's look at gut health and how you can support yours!

What is gut health?

Gut health is the state of the digestive system. It includes the health of the stomach and intestines. The gut is made up of many bacteria, which help break down food and produce vitamins. Healthy gut flora also helps prevent disease-causing bacteria from growing in your gut.

Our gut health is important for many reasons:

• The gut is home to trillions of microbes that can either help or harm your body, so it's important to keep it healthy.
• A healthy gut helps you absorb nutrients from food more efficiently.
• A healthy gut can also help with symptoms of depression and protect against diseases like diabetes and heart disease because it produces natural chemicals that keep inflammation in check and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Stress and Gut Health?

Stress is one of the most common health problems in the world. It can affect your mental and physical health, leading to other problems.

Stress is a significant contributor to gut health as it affects the gut microbiota. This is because stress can cause inflammation in the body, impacting your gut bacteria. Ongoing stress can lead to stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Stress can also affect other parts of your body, like your immune system and heart health.

There are many ways to reduce stress in your life, but it is essential to take care of yourself and find what works for you.

Signs that your gut health might need attention

If your gut flora is out of balance, it can lead to various symptoms like excessive gas, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and more.

Symptoms of poor gut health can be caused by many different factors, including diet, stress levels, some medications, and other medical conditions. So it's always a good idea to check in with your doctor or dietitian to rule out other potential causes of digestive symptoms. 

Ways to improve your gut health?

Here are some ways to improve your gut's health:

• Enjoy prebiotic foods like bananas, garlic, onions and leeks to promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Trying to eat a range of fruits and vegetables is rich in fibre and prebiotics. 
• Enjoy probiotic foods like yogurt and kefir to give your gut the necessary good bacteria it needs for optimal health.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and keep your digestive system running smoothly.
• Move your body regularly in ways you enjoy. Walking, dancing, stretching, or yoga are all great and keep your digestive system active.
• Try to manage your stress levels and get adequate sleep. 
• Visit your doctor if you're having trouble with your gut health and it is persisting.