Improve your gut health and feel better with these simple methods

Modern life takes its toll on us in different ways, from stress and lack of sleep to eating too much sugary, processed food and relying on antibiotics and other pills to keep us healthy. However, all this can affect the gut, immune system, skin, our mood, weight, and more. If we look more closely at the gut, or intestines, there are clear signs that we may not have as healthy a stomach as we’d like, as this can show itself with gas and bloating, as well as constipation, diarrhoea, and heartburn. According to experts Biomes, chronic bowel disease can happen from an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in our intestinal flora.

The good news is that intestinal issues can often be stopped or prevented with lifestyle and diet changes. Lower stress levels, more exercise, and improved sleep are of course always recommended, but if you want to start slow and steady, then at least consider what you eat and drink.

Easy tips for having good gut health

• A healthy gut means a diverse range of microbes, so a good range of plant-based foods is never a bad thing.
• More fibre in the form of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains help contribute to create good bacteria and keep the right balance in our bodies.
• Do your best to avoid highly processed foods such as ketchup, instant noodles, and many frozen dinners, as these have a lot of sugars, fat, and sodium that increase bad bacteria.
• Enjoy probiotics foods such as Greek yoghurt, fermented foods like kimchi and tempeh, and probiotic supplements from your local pharmacy.
• Eat more foods rich in polyphenols, such as red grapes, almonds, onions, berries, broccoli, and dark chocolate.
• Only take antibiotics if completely necessary, as these often kill off good bacteria as well as bad bacteria, leading to stomach issues later on. If you have to take this type of medicine, boost your intake of the above foods before, during, and after taking antibiotics. Kombucha tea and green tea are also packed full of ingredients that are beneficial for the gut.

As well, don’t forget about the stomach health of man’s best friend! Vets are imploring dog owners to be careful about what food scraps they give to their pets, as the wrong food can cause stomach issues and many other illnesses if not properly checked.