Healthy gut health is important for overall health and disease prevention. But what exactly is the gut? It is a term used to describe your digestive system, or the inner lining of your digestive tract. The gut contains a very large number of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The gut also houses and protects the most sensitive part of your body: your immune system. The gut is your first line of defense against disease. It is the place where food is broken down and made usable by the body.
Foods and nutrients that support your gut health are critical for many reasons. Healthy gut health is the foundation of many other health conditions and diseases.
When you are ill or have been sick, your body’s first line of defense is your gut. If you are not getting enough of the good bacteria in your gut, your immune system is going to be compromised. A weakened immune system will allow more bacteria to enter your body, and you will likely experience more symptoms. This can cause fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, pain, and more.
If you are currently experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas, you may be looking for a way to improve your gut health.
Here are nine ways to improve your gut health.
- Eat a high-fiber diet
Many of the foods you eat can help or harm your gut health. Eating a diet high in fiber is important for gut health. Fiber is a nutrient that is found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Foods that are high in fiber include apples, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, peas, and vegetables.
You may be able to see how eating more whole foods and less processed food can help improve your gut health. Fiber is one of the most important nutrients that you can add to your diet.
- Add probiotic to your diet
Probiotic are living microorganisms that are beneficial to your gut health. You can find probiotics in food and supplements. If you are looking for the best probiotics for your gut, you can use our Probiotic Supplement Guide.
Probiotics are important for your gut health because they help keep harmful bacteria out of your body. Probiotics can help your gut stay healthy, and they are important for your immune system and digestion.
- Drink more water
You may be surprised to find out that you are not drinking enough water. The body needs water to maintain proper health and function. Water can help keep you hydrated, and it can help flush out toxins from your body. It is also important for your skin, hair, and nails.
If you are feeling tired, bloated, or constipated, it is likely that you are not drinking enough water.