4 ways to a happier gut and healthier you
Жайгаштырылды: 10.06.2024 | Автор: Julie Gunn
A healthy gut is about far more than good digestion – whether or not we have digestive issues (and let’s face it, many of us do!), research suggests that taking care of our gut health could actually improve many aspects of our overall health and wellbeing. Discover four easy things you can do to improve your gut health!
Your gut is like a hard-working machine, processing the food you eat, absorbing all the nutrients your body needs, and expelling whatever is left over – around the clock. But it doesn’t end there, far from it! Your gut is also home to around 70% of your immune system and your gut microbiome – connected to many aspects of your health and wellbeing, so gut health matters! So how can you improve yours?
How to balance your gut
Drink plenty of water
Good hydration is critical for gut health! A hydrated gut is important for regularity – lack of hydration results in constipation, bloating and discomfort.
Tip: Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water or other fluids a day – that could include drinks made with water like coffee and tea (but not sugary drinks, which will add calories and little else). If you eat plenty of moist foods like yoghurt, juicy fruits and soup, you can include these in your total daily fluid intake too. Invest in a practical water bottle you can carry around with you, so you always have water on hand throughout the day.
Eat a diverse, healthy diet
Dietary diversity is vital to promote a healthy gut microbiome – the more varied your diet, the more varied the composition of good bacteria in your gut. Try to limit your consumption of saturated fat, sugar and alcohol and focus on eating a variety of healthy, whole foods, including fermented foods.
Tip: Try to step outside your ’normal’ eating by introducing at least one new nutritious food into your diet every week!
Exercise your gut
All exercise stimulates gut motility. Aerobic exercise helps to stimulate the gut by getting your blood pumping, while Yoga-inspired stretching exercises stimulate movement by ‘massaging’ the gut. Check out a few of our favourite easy exercises to promote a healthy gut.
Tip: Try to incorporate different types of activity into your routine every day. Every little counts!
