Improve gut health
It’s possible to improve your gut health. Making lifestyle changes can improve the balance of organisms in your gut flora. When you restore that balance, your digestive tract will operate more efficiently.
Eat more fiber
Fiber is important to digestive health because fiber and sugars are foods for some of the bacteria in your gut. Experts sometimes call these foods prebiotics. You can get more fiber in your diet by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Food such as apples, asparagus, corn, garlic, flaxseeds, onions, oats, lentils, and nuts are all high in fiber.
Eat fermented foods
Foods that have gone through a fermentation process contain probiotics. Probiotics are the actual bacteria you want to populate your gut. Eating things like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi gives you a serving of good gut flora. Add them to your diet to support your gut balance.
Cut back on processed and surgery foods
Foods that are high in sugar, like candy, soda, or packaged baked goods, can disrupt the balance of organisms in the gut. Some microorganisms thrive on sugar, so eating too much of it causes those bacteria to proliferate. That may lead to symptoms like inflammation and sleep problems. Cutting back on processed and sweet foods may improve your gut health.
Get more sleep
Researchers are studying the relationship between sleep and gut health. They have learned that there is a connection between healthy digestive function and healthy sleep. Stomach upset can disrupt sleep, and disrupted sleep may worsen digestive problems. Building healthy sleep habits to get enough sleep may improve the symptoms of gut-related health issues.
Exercise
If you increase your exercise you may improve your gut health in multiple ways. Exercise can help you lose weight, which reduces your risk of some digestive health problems. Increased activity may improve your sleep, which can also improve your gut health. Exercise also improves blood flow all over the body, including in your digestive tract. That may directly improve how well your gut works.
Treat other health conditions
If you have any underlying health issues, including mental health conditions, make sure you are getting appropriate treatment for them. Talk to your doctor about any digestive symptoms you’re having, as well as symptoms like inflammation or disturbed sleep. Your doctor can help determine if you may have a gut health issue. Your doctor may suggest specific diet changes or supplements that could help your gut health without compromising other treatments.