Your gut affects many areas of your health, including your brain, heart, hormones, immune system, and more. Common symptoms of poor gut health include upset stomach, food intolerances, skin conditions, fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and other health issues. In order for your gut to be healthy, it needs to have the right balance of gut bacteria that is properly nourished. If you want to improve your gut health naturally, try following these tips:

1. Eat Probiotic-Rich Foods

A healthy gut contains trillions of live microorganisms that make up its microbiome. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that add much-needed diversity to your gut microbiome. If you want to improve your gut health, eat probiotic-rich foods. Some great sources of probiotics include yogurt, kombucha, pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, apple cider vinegar, and other fermented foods. If you can’t get enough probiotics from your diet, you may want to consider taking probiotic supplements to support your gut health.

2. Eat Prebiotic-Rich Foods

In order for the beneficial bacteria in your gut to grow and flourish, they need to be fed. Prebiotic fiber feeds and nourishes these bacteria. Adding prebiotic-rich foods to your diet can improve gut health by allowing probiotics in your gut to thrive. Examples of foods with prebiotic fiber include bananas, onions, apples, oats, avocados, asparagus, seaweed, oats, and barley. In addition to prebiotic fiber, you also need to eat other types of fiber to keep your gut healthy. Fiber keeps things moving through your gastrointestinal system and can improve both constipation and diarrhea.

3. Exercise

Physical activity is essential for all areas of your health, including your gut health. Research has found that exercise is linked to a healthier, more diverse gut microbiome. It also increases the amount of a fatty acid called butyrate produced by bacteria in your gut, which helps cells in the colon divide, grow, and thrive. Higher levels of butyrate are also associated with reduced inflammation, improved inflammatory bowel disease, better immune health, and a lower risk of colon cancer. If you’re new to exercise, start with low-intensity workouts like walking, yoga, or swimming to start improving and maintaining your gut health.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Another great way to improve your gut health naturally is by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help increase the diversity of bacteria in your gut microbiome, resulting in better gut health. Research has also found that people who drink more water tend to have less of a type of “bad” bacteria that contributes to gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, drinking enough water each day helps keep things moving regularly to prevent constipation and promote a healthier gut.

5. Reduce Stress

Stress can be detrimental to many areas of your health, including your gut health. High levels of stress hormones can contribute to a poorly functioning gut. If you want to improve your gut health, find healthy ways to reduce your stress levels. Examples of stress management techniques that may help include deep breathing, yoga, prayer, massage, socializing with friends or family, and creative hobbies.

6. Get Quality Sleep

Insufficient sleep can have a serious impact on your gut and overall health. To improve your gut health, try prioritizing getting enough quality sleep each night. It is recommended for most adults to get seven to nine hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep every night. If you struggle to fall or stay asleep, try sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Avoid alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime, and turn off screens an hour before bed. Maintain a cool, dark, and quiet environment in your bedroom for optimal sleep.

Functional Testing to Help You Heal Your Gut

Do you want to learn more about the state of your gut health? Here at Desire Wellness Group, we offer functional testing to provide a better understanding of the root cause of your gut issues. These include microbiome testing, nutrient testing, food sensitivity testing, comprehensive GI tests, and others. Reach out to us today to learn more about functional testing and to find out how we can help you heal your gut and improve your well-being!