Gut health is the balance of microorganisms living in your digestive tract. There is an estimated 100 trillion of these bacteria, yeast, and viruses in the gut. These microorganisms play a huge role in your health. If your gut isn’t working the way it should, you may have a bunch of unwanted problems. There are multiple ways that you can work on improving your gut health on your own, and we’ve listed out some of the best ways below. Please be aware, however, that more serious problems with your gut should be reported to a healthcare professional.
1. Fix your sleep schedule
Not getting sufficient sleep has been linked with gut dysfunction. Getting the right amount of sleep can not only improve your gut health, but also improves your mood and other aspects of your health. It is recommended that you get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
2. Stay hydrated
Not having enough water can lead to issues with the gut such as constipation. It’s recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. This can help keep things moving and functioning the way they should be.
3. Change your diet
There is definitely a link between the foods you eat and the health of your gut. Foods that are high in fiber, for example, can help prevent constipation. Studies have shown that sugar and sweetener rich diets can actually be harmful for your microbiome.
4. Cut out your stressors
Managing stress can not only improve your gut, but also your overall health. Different types of stressors such as psychological stress, environmental stress, sleep deprivation, and disruption of the circadian rhythm can all be reasons for poor gut health. Listing out and forming a plan on how you can better manage your stress can help ease the strain on your body and make better gut health achievable.
5. Start taking probiotics
Probiotics are live organisms that help promote your microbiome. Probiotic supplements are easily available across the counter and can be a quick and simple way to give your gut a boost.
Works Cited:
Dix, M. (2018, July 2). What’s an Unhealthy Gut? How Gut Health Affects You. Retrieved from Health Line: https://www.healthline.com/health/gut-health
Leonard, J. (2018, May 18). 10 ways to improve gut health. Retrieved from Medical News Today : https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325293