How to Improve Your Gut Health

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is located in your gut? Your gut health has a direct impact on your overall well-being. Taking good care of your gut is essential to living a healthy, dis-ease free life. Use the list below to start thinking about ways you can take action on your gut health this week.

1. Minimize your sugar intake 

In our gut we have plenty of bacteria present. Some bacteria are always present in amounts but when they grow too high of a population, this can cause some major problems. Sugar is one of the things that can feed that bacteria and allow it to create dysbiosis, or unbalance in your gut. Eating excess sugar can create increased cravings, further damaging the gut. Removing added sugar from your diet will lead you to a more balanced gut. One of the places we see added sugar are in juices -- not the fresh squeezed kind, but the store bought kind, even when it says fresh squeezed. Try replacing any juices you might be drinking with a glass of water and the food in its whole form.

2. Eat whole foods 

Anything you can pick, catch or kill - focus on organic whenever possible. In order to better control the harmful bacteria in your gut, opt for whole foods that have not been processed or refined and don’t have added ingredients to them. Foods such as legumes and whole grains are great to consume for a happy and healthy gut. 

3. Incorporate probiotic foods into your diet 

Probiotic foods contain live bacteria that is good for your body. Eating fermented foods such as yogurt, kombucha, and tempeh that contain probiotics can result in a healthier gut.

4. Eat foods high in fiber

As fiber is the fuel the colon needs to stay healthy and helps to keep the digestive tract moving properly, eating foods high in fiber is also a great way to improve gut health. Foods such as raspberries, chickpeas, whole grains, and broccoli are all high in fiber.

5. Think about supplement support

Taking a probiotic supplement which contains good bacteria and can help your body to digest food, breakdown and absorb medication, and even create vitamins. Probiotics serve as fuel for your body to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Remember, always consult your doctor before taking anything.

6. Eat nutrient-dense food

Eating foods that are high in nutrients is a great way to positively affect your gut health. Foods such as salmon, kale, seaweed, egg yolks, and even dark chocolate are all foods that are high in nutrients and can promote healthy digestive function.

7. Most importantly, reduce anxiety and stress levels

If you do just one thing on this list, let it be lowering your stress. As anxiety, stress, and depression can all have very negative impacts on gut health, it is important to engage in activities that put your mind and body at ease. Try engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, walking, or journaling as a way to de-stress the body and not only positively affect your gut health but your well-being as a whole. 

Want more help with your gut health? Sign up for a Discovery Call to get started on the journey to healing your gut today.