5 Simple Steps to Improve Your Gut Health (And Why it Matters)

The health of your gut impacts your entire body. Ongoing studies reveal the growing importance of gut health and its surprising connections to almost all other aspects of your health. It turns out gut health plays a key role in your immune function, mental health, and cardiovascular system, to name a few.

But how do you know if you have a healthy gut? When the microorganisms that live in your gut microbiome are out of balance, it causes symptoms that may include an upset stomach, bloating, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, intense sugar cravings, an unusual change in weight, skin problems, mood swings, and even autoimmune conditions.

Whether you have one or all of the above symptoms, the good news is that a healthier gut—and a healthier you—are a few simple steps away. So, here are our top tips for improving your gut health and feeling good.

1. Eat Well

While this may seem like we’re stating the obvious, there’s no doubt about it: Food alters the environment—and microorganisms—in your gut. Sugar, highly processed foods, and alcohol support “bad” bacteria, while a diet rich in colourful vegetables and fibre support “good” bacteria. Supplementing your diet with probiotics—such as capsules, yogurt, or fermented foods—is also another great way to maintain a healthy gut.

Second to what you eat is how and when you eat. Aim to eat slowly (remember to chew every bite!) and avoid eating too close to bedtime.

2. Hydrate

Simply put, when you drink enough water, your body breaks down and absorbs food more easily. It also helps prevent constipation and supports a healthy colon. Other research indicates that you’re less likely to suffer from specific gastrointestinal infections if you drink more water. Consider taking a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go so that you stay hydrated, even on the busiest of days.

3. Sleep

You might be surprised to learn that sleep improves your gut health. And it turns out that it works the other way around, too. Sleep supports a healthy gut, and a healthy gut supports sleep. In other words, when you get unbroken and sufficient hours of rest at night, your gut microbiome is better established—and you get to enjoy all the natural benefits that go along with it.

4. Reduce Stress

If you’ve ever had a stomach ache over a job interview or an important exam, you already know that stress impacts your gut. Stress releases chemicals into your body that promote inflammation in your gut and, thus, negatively impact your gut microbiome. In chronic cases, stress leads to IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), ulcers, reflux, and even food intolerances.

Telling you not to stress is not very helpful, but there are activities and methods you can use to help combat your body’s stress response. Therapy, exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and hobbies are popular and effective choices.

5. Move

Keeping active is a great way to combat stress—which supports your gut microbiome—and stimulate the muscles around your digestive tract to help move food and waste through your system.

Additionally, scientists have proven that exercise enhances gut bacteria. Moving your body has many other health advantages, too; improved digestion and a healthier gut are only the tip of the iceberg. Exercise has further been associated with better heart health, respiratory function, and more.

With these simple tips, you can say goodbye to a sluggish, bloated gut and hello to more energy, better health, and a stronger mind. Incorporate as many of the above habits as possible—each one is an investment in your future mental and physical health.

If you’re unsure of how to include exercise in your routine or chronic pain makes it difficult, the Chatfield Chiropractic team is here to help. Book an appointment with one of our chiropractors today. Let’s get you back to feeling happy and healthy!

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