Many things can impact the healthy bacteria in your digestive system. These factors can include the food you consume, how often you're active, how hydrated you are, and even how stressed you feel. So, if you feel more sluggish and stressed than usual, it could be a sign that your digestive health needs a boost. So, here are some helpful tips for improving your gut health.
Luckily, it's easy to identify the causes of poor gut health. Here are a few reasons why your gut may be experiencing a negative impact.
A reduction in blood sugar levels is often a result of good gut health. Diets high in added sugars and processed foods can reduce the number of healthy bacteria in your gut and increase your blood sugar. As a result, inflammation increases throughout the body, which can be a precursor to many diseases.
If you experience bouts of poor sleep cycles or disruptive sleep, it could stem from poor gut health. Your gut produces most of the serotonin in your system, which impacts sleep and mood.
Furthermore, those living with chronic fatigue can have gut imbalances, as many with constant fatigue also have IBS. So, when there's a bacterial imbalance in the gut, it can result in you feeling more tired and struggling with low-quality sleep.
There's a significant link between the immune system and the digestive system. An unhealthy gut can alter proper systemic function in the immune system and increase inflammation. As such, you have a higher chance of developing autoimmune diseases.
Many helpful tips exist to better your gut health. Taking small steps toward better gut health can significantly affect how you feel.
Exercising can tremendously improve your gut health if your digestive tract feels sluggish and you experience fogginess. Additionally, physical activity can help stimulate the colon, aiding in regular bowel movements. So, if you live with poor gut health or irritable bowel syndrome, physical exercise can help.
Excessive stress can cause your microbiome to go out of whack. So, take time out of your day to reduce the cortisol coursing through your body. Go for a long walk, read a book, do some stretches, soak in a bubble bath, or take a nap to feel refreshed.
High-fiber foods like vegetables and fruit contain beneficial nutrients for a healthy microbiome. Fiber digests more slowly in the body, prolonging the feeling of fullness compared to carbohydrates. Taking prebiotic and probiotic supplements can also improve gut health.
Prebiotics offer nutrients to provide beneficial growth to healthy gut bacteria, while probiotics add good bacteria to your digestive system. Aim to eat more raspberries, green peas, chickpeas, beans, broccoli, bananas, whole grains, and more.
