Gut health has emerged as the buzzword among the health enthusiasts today. Undoubtedly, this is a key parameter of well-being because an unhealthy gut can lead to a variety of medical conditions. It can cause diverse digestive issues, result in unprecedented weight gain, have an impact on your mental health and even cause mood swings. Taking care of your digestive system, therefore, becomes the mainstay of overall well-being.
Where to start: Assess your gut health first!
Gut health is all about the condition of your digestive system, whether it is performing optimally or not. The first thing to do is to assess where it stands. Signs of a healthy gut include the ability to digest food properly, without getting gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Further, it is indicated by general well-being, healthy appetite, optimal weight, good mood and high energy levels. Conversely, if you experience just the opposite, your digestive health probably needs some work.
Tips for fortifying your gut health naturally
If your digestion is not performing optimally, you need to pay attention to it. The most common reason of poor digestion is an unhealthy lifestyle. If you eat unhealthy, exercise less and indulge in excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, your gut will suffer. These habits pressurize your digestion and ultimately may damage it for good. The best measure to put things back in order is to restructure your lifestyle and make it more gut-friendly. Here are some tips that you can follow to get things back on track naturally.
- Cut down on processed foods
Processed foods are worst for your digestive health because they are difficult to break down and assimilate. Obviously, you gut needs to do a lot more work to digest them. Cut down on processed foods and those laden with salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. Eliminating them from your diet also reduces the possibility of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
- Focus on high-fiber diet
Correcting your diet goes beyond cutting down the wrong foods as you need to include the right ones as well. Focus on high-fiber foods like raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains. Plant-based fiber regulates your bowel and improves your digestive functioning. It enhances the overall functioning of the body systems as well.
- Include prebiotic and probiotic foods in your diet
Another natural way to strengthen your gut is by consuming plenty of prebiotic and probiotic foods. Prebiotic foods are high in non-digestible fiber that nurtures the healthy bacteria in your gut. Whole grains, bananas, broccoli, onion and garlic are some prebiotic foods. Probiotics too support healthy gut bacteria and include options like yoghurt and fermented foods. You can opt for probiotic supplements as well.
- Take a periodic gut cleanse
Cleansing your gut periodically is another effective measure to restore and maintain its good health. While you can do it with a cleansing diet, there are some gut cleanse supplements that you can try for enhanced effects. A periodic cleanse is like a reboot for your digestive system and simply clears all the toxins and harmful chemicals that may be compromising its performance.
- Drink plenty of water
The right food choices and cleansing helps but it is equally important to drink plenty of water to keep your digestion in top shape. Water acts as a natural bulking agent and eases the elimination of wastes from your body. An increased intake helps the digestive and excretory systems and keeps them performing optimally. Drink at least 10-12 glasses everyday and drinking warm water is even more beneficial.
- Try herbal concoctions
Several herbs have shown proven benefits for improving your gut health. You can rely on herbal concoctions such as ginger tea to improve your gut health and alleviate digestive issues such as gas and bloating. Starting your day with a glass of warm water mixed with a dash of lemon juice is also a great way to kick starting your gut performance.
- Clear the negative emotions as well
A healthy gut is not just about the food you eat but also about the way you think. Releasing negative emotions like stress and anxiety also helps to fortify your digestion because they can cause issues such as heartburn and indigestion. Ensure that you eat slowly and enjoy your meals.
Make meditation and mindfulness a way of life if you want to keep your gut in a good condition. Your digestion is connected with the body and mind and taking care of both is the key to a healthy gut.
