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4 Easy Ways How to Improve Gut Health

4 Easy Ways How to Improve Gut Health

by | Aug 18, 2022 | Gut Health, Informational, Nutrition

Trillions of bacteria make up your gut, and most of them are essential for your overall health. However, some bacteria carry diseases that can lead to major health complications in the future. Many factors contribute to the presence of harmful gut bacteria, including your diet and nutrition. By making a few lifestyle changes, you can promote a healthy gut and improve your overall health. Read on for four easy ways to enhance your gut health today.

Firstly, Eat a Balanced and Diverse Diet

With so many different types of bacteria in your gut, you can’t keep them all healthy with a monotonous diet. Each species needs different nutrients to grow and prevent diseases. To promote a healthy microbiome, eat a balanced, diverse diet. Incorporate a variety of foods into your meals, including plenty of:

  • Fruits 
  • Vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Protein
  • Greens

The traditional Western diet lacks diversity, so you should make an effort to introduce a variety of healthy foods into your diet while consuming less sugar and saturated fats. This approach is essential for strengthening your gut health.

Secondly, Eat Plenty of Prebiotics

Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. These mainly include starches and fibers that your cells cannot digest—instead, your gut bacteria break them down for fuel. While prebiotic supplements are available, you can also get prebiotics naturally from various foods. Some foods high in prebiotic fiber include:

  • Beans and legumes
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Berries and bananas
  • Oats

A diet rich in prebiotics has been proven to cultivate a variety of bacteria that promote a healthy gut. Additionally, prebiotics are thought to reduce triglyceride, cholesterol, and insulin levels in those who are heavier in weight; this serves to reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease, as well as strengthen the immune system overall.

Thirdly, Take Probiotic Vitamins

Similar to prebiotics, probiotics play a major role in your gut health. Probiotics are essentially live bacteria found in certain foods that have numerous nutritional benefits. When consumed, probiotics can change the composition of your gut microbiome; an improvement for those who are affected by certain diseases. Even without a compromised system, evidence suggests that probiotics can improve the efficiency of your gut microbiome.  However, the easiest way to make sure you’re getting enough probiotics is to take a supplement. Be sure to consult with a doctor before using any supplements to find the right one for you.

Finally, Add Fermented Foods to Your Diet

To naturally improve your gut health, add fermented foods to your diet. Fermented foods often contain probiotics and other nutritional value. Some popular sources include:

  • Yogurt
  • Kimchi
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Kefir
  • Sauerkraut

Visit Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness to learn more about improving your overall health today.

An Introduction to Gut Health

An Introduction to Gut Health

by | Jul 21, 2022 | Gut Health, Informational

Trust Your Gut: An Introduction to Gut Health

The gut, also known as the digestive tract or gastrointestinal tract, covers the sections of the body involved in food intake and excretion. The whole digestive tract from mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines to pancreas, liver, gallbladder, colon and rectum is a part of this system. However, if we talk about gut health, we are talking about the bacteria in your microbiome and the digestion that takes place in your large intestine due to these microbiomes.

All food is broken down in the digestive tract to a basic form so it may enter the bloodstream and be taken as nutrients by your body. However, efficient digestion is only possible when your gastrointestinal tract is healthy.

A healthy gut uses its immune cells and healthy bacteria to fight toxic fungi, bacteria and various viruses. Also, there is constant communication with the brain through hormones and nerves to help maintain good body health.  

Role of the Digestive Tract in Your Body 

Scientists have been surprised by the complex human digestive system and attempting to understand its functioning. 

Your gut plays a critical role in managing the following:

  • The immune system
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Mood 
  • Mental well-being
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Skin issues
  • Obesity
  • Cancer

It is critical to maintain a healthy digestive tract since it has such a close relationship with so many other aspects of your health.

Importance of a Healthy Gut 

Gut health has a significant impact on the brain. Serotonin, the hormone that makes us happy, is mostly generated in the gut. This connection between serotonin production and the gut is frequently the source of food cravings. On the other hand, psychological stress can have a harmful impact on your gut health and lead to inflammation and binge eating.

In addition to improving your mood, the healthy bacteria also helps release mind-boosting chemicals that increase your memory and cognitive performance. Alternatively, having too many harmful bacteria in your gut can disrupt your concentration and make it easier for toxins to enter your bloodstream.

The digestive tract also contains up to 80% of your immune tissue. It is no wonder that what you put into your bodies impacts how well your immune systems work. Because the intestines serve as a barrier between the circulation and the external world, it must have a strong immunity to combat viruses from food.

 Common Signs of Gut Issues

You may be facing serious gut issues if you frequently face digestive problems which lead to discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or constipation. If your heartburn and bloating does not go away or you notice black stools, you may be developing gut diseases.  

Sudden weight loss, rectal bleeding, severe vomiting, fever, intense stomach pains, trouble swallowing food, or jaundice could all be signs of a serious gastrointestinal problem. You should always contact a doctor if you face prolonged gut issues.