When it comes to your gut health, merely adding a whole lot of expensive probiotics supplements may not improve your digestion and your gut health. Taking more probiotics than necessary may do you more harm, especially when you take a probiotic of very few strains. It may help increase the bacterial strains of only those few strains, and hence may cause an imbalance in the bacterial population.
So, to keep a balance of the good and bad bacteria in your gut, you may try these few tips below. The importance of gut health has taken center stage in the medical field in recent times. Your gut health may go a long way in impacting your health and well-being in more ways than one. When your gut health improves, there is decreased inflammation and reduces your risk of chronic disease.
Have a Plant-Based Diet
Fresh, whole plant-based foods contain a lot of fiber that can add bulk to your intestines and flow. Whole grains are the primary foods to feed those good bacteria. So, think again if you are shunning carbohydrates to lose weight because those carbs could be good for your intestinal health. When it comes to food, eat the rainbow, think of more colorful veggies and fruits, especially the ones that are in season. They are the best foods for your microbiome. Always shop for fresh produce from the nearby market.
Focus on Dental Health
Always prioritize your dental health. That’s because the harmful bacteria in your mouth could move to your stomach and cause numerous health issues. So, always floss and clean your teeth diligently. Also, to take care of your oral health and your gut health, ensure you reduce your sugar intake. Sugar can cause yeast to grow and impact the delicate gut balance. While you are at it, avoid packaged foods as well.
Include Natural Probiotics
We know yogurt is great for your gut health, but then if yogurt is not quite your thing, you can add other sources of fermented foods such as pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, the works. These foods add a good kind of bacteria or beneficial bacteria to your gut as they convert the sugar acids to sugar alcohols. You don’t have to add too many exotic foods to improve your gut health, plain simple foods, and whatever is available around you can help improve your gut health.
Include Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolates are rich in polyphenols and travel to your intestines, feeding the good microbes. Chocolates, especially dark chocolates, contain anti-inflammatory properties, reduce blood pressure, and reduce cellular stress to a great extent. Other foods rich in polyphenols are almonds, onions, blueberries, green tea, broccoli, cocoa, etc.
Use Spices
Spices have tremendous potential to improve your overall health. Add spices such as garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and more. The vast repertoire of spices that magically transform the food flavor can also help eliminate the harmful bacteria.
Chew Your food
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of chewing your food. We eat mindlessly, focusing on something else, say TV or mobiles, rather than concentrating on our food. Ideally, you must chew your food thirty-six times, and turn it into a liquid before swallowing your food. As they say, digestion begins in your mouth, so stop everything while you are eating and focus on eating and chewing.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
If recent research is to go by, artificial sweeteners may have a derogatory impact on your microbiome. It may also prevent your body from using insulin properly. So, try and eat as fresh and as natural foods as possible.
So, when your gut is happy, you are happy. There is a link between your gut health and your mental health. Some holistic health practitioners may even order gut health tests to treat mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The gut-brain axis is real. So, follow these simple tips to improve and finally enhance your gut health and your overall health. Don’t forget to talk to your nutrition about chalking a perfect diet that suits your body. A professional can make sure your body gets the right nutrients it deserves and helps you build overall health. Stay healthy, stay safe!