Written by Paul Flicek
Your gut health plays a vital role in overall well-being. A healthy gut helps control digestion and improve your immune system to create a healthier you. Having an imbalance of healthy and unhealthy microbes in your intestines can lead to high cholesterol, high blood sugar, weight gain, and other health conditions.
If you constantly have an upset stomach, unintentional weight changes, or sleep disturbances, you may have an unhealthy gut.
Here are 5 tips that may just do the trick in leading you toward a healthier gut and happier life!
- Lower your stress levels – High stress levels can be very hard on your body. Stress causes an increase in motor function in the large intestine, which in turn can cause cramping, bloating, and a loss of appetite. You can lower stress by going for a walk, meditating, or spending time with loved ones!
- Eat more whole foods – Whole foods have the fiber needed to bulk up our intestines which moves things through easier. Some whole foods that may help get the fiber needed are vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts.
- Drink plenty of water – Drinking enough water needed for your body has been shown to keep the good bacteria in your gut while also having a beneficial effect on the mucosal lining of the intestines.
- Eat fermented foods – Fermented foods contain a high count of lactobacilli bacteria. These bacteria turn sugar into acids and alcohols, improving your gut. Some fermented foods you can try are sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and kefir.
- Eat dark chocolate – Not only does eating dark chocolate help, but any foods with plant-based molecules known as polyphenols. Polyphenols decrease blood pressure, cellular stress, and cholesterol levels. If you don’t enjoy dark chocolate, some foods that you can try are almonds, green tea, and blueberries!
Improving your gut health can lead to many benefits, including improving your immune system, heart health, sleep quality, brain health, and even your mood!
