Gastrointestinal issues are no fun for anyone. Gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and an upset stomach are a sign that something is off. But, did you know that gut health impacts many additional aspects of your overall health? The bacteria found in the gut affects your immune system, mental health, respiratory health and your well-being! The more we learn about the connection between gut health and other parts of the body, the more it becomes clear proper gut health is supremely important. Here are 5 simple solutions to improve gut health:
1. Eat Foods Pack With Probiotics & Fiber
What we feed our stomachs can either help or hurt our gut microbiome. Probiotics are referred to as “good” bacteria for their benefits related to gut health, such as maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms. Many fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha and sauerkraut, are filled with naturally occurring probiotics that can improve your gut health. Meanwhile, fiber helps to build this good bacteria in the gut. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables as they are rich in fiber.
2. Supplementation
Supplements offer a simple and effective way to improve gut health. Probiotic supplements have become all the rage in recent years thanks to their ability to give your gut a jumpstart and treat a variety of unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms. UltraFlora BiomePro is a probiotic supplement that features 8 different clinically studied probiotic strains that work in synergy to improve gut health. UltraFlora Balance is a probiotic blend of B. lactis and L. acidophilus that promotes a healthy microbial balance.
3. Limit Processed Foods and Alcohol
Processed foods are ones that have high levels of refined sugars, salt, additives and unhealthy fats after undergoing industrial processing. These processed foods can have a negative impact on the health of the stomach, making them best to stay away from whenever possible. Excessive drinking can irritate the gut, causing it to become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as discomfort, heartburn, ulcers and bacterial infections. This inflammation can throw off the balance in the gut, negatively impacting how well it functions.
4. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways to improve gut health! Scientific studies have shown that exercise leads to increased biodiversity in the microbiome, providing a boost to its overall health. Even low-intensity workouts can be beneficial, improving both the quality and quantity of the bacteria that exist in the gut. In addition to improved gut health, exercise provides all sorts of benefits for a person’s overall health!
5. Get More Sleep
A lack of quality sleep can take a toll on the health of the gut. Sleep and gut health are interconnected with each influencing the other. A lack of sleep can cause additional stress. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can rise and lead to what’s known as leaky gut — where toxins and food move through the intestines and into the bloodstream. Additionally, a lack of melatonin, the hormone responsible for helping us get to sleep, could be related to GERD.
These simple solutions can help to improve gut health! If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal issues, the team here at Riverside Village Clinic is here to help! Schedule an appointment with us today to get started on your journey toward better health!
