Tips to Improve Your Gut Health

Gut health is essential to your overall body and immune function. In fact, many healthcare professionals believe the root to good health starts in the gut or gastrointestinal system (GI). Everything we put in our body affects our gut health: the food we eat, the beverages we drink, and the medications and supplements we take. Stress also affects our gut health as referenced in the gut-brain connection. 

Gut health obviously has a connection to digestion, but it also affects mood, brain function, and the immune system. A healthy GI system ensures proper absorption of nutrients and expelling toxins. Microbes and bacteria have a critical role in gut health. This is your microbiome. A balanced microbiome has been shown to prevent allergies and boost the immune system. Foods that promote the growth of healthy bacteria, foods containing those bacteria, and probiotic supplements all support proper gut health. 

Here are foods that can enhance a healthy gut: 

• fruits
• legumes
• whole grains
• leafy greens
• fermented foods
• yogurt and kefir
• avocados
• nuts and seeds
• garlic and onions
• herbs 

Foods that can promote overgrowth of yeast and unhealthy bacteria: 

• sugar
• white flour
• processed carbohydrates
• processed meats
• fried foods
• artificial colors and preservatives
• sweetened beverages
• alcohol 

Other healthy habits that can help support gut health include moderate/regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. 

Contact FitLife today for personalized counseling to improve your gut health. 

Diet and Nutrients , Blog