Having a healthy gut may seem like an unattainable task to some, especially those who think that it comes with a list of stringent practices. According to data, forty per cent of Americans have put a stop to routine activities due to disruptions by their digestive troubles.
However, we are also well aware of the implications that are attached to having an unhealthy gut system. To put it simply, it can pave the way for greater body illnesses, which can be detrimental not only to our digestive system but to our overall health in the long run. As a result, having an unhealthy gut makes way for our bodies to start becoming a breeding ground for bad bacteria to thrive. This is mainly due to gut bacteria imbalance, an intestinal condition that affects your bowels, heart health, and weight.
If you would like to dig deeper into gut health and how having unhealthy gut health can affect the digestive system, continue reading to the end of this article.
How Does Our Gut Work?
Our gut, also commonly referred to as our digestive system, consists of three different functions which include mixing food, allowing food to pass through the different digestive canals, and breaking down food for smoother digestion to take place.
After the food molecules have broken down, they are transported into our bloodstream where nutrients from our food intake are carried to the various cells in our bodies.
With an imbalance in gut health, it becomes difficult for us to obtain the nutrients we need to function in our everyday lives. It may also dampen our moods and cause disruptions to our sleep.
What Are The Benefits of Having Good Gut Health?
While we have established the importance of having good health, it is also essential to understand the benefits that it brings to our bodies. These include:
- Improvement of sleep schedule
- Promotion of the digestion system
- Reducing the risk of running severe illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases
- Improvement in mental health illnesses
How can I achieve good gut health?
Achieving good gut health is one step closer to leading a healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling lifestyle. While it can seem like a challenge to have to make shifts to your current lifestyle, it is essential to better understand your body and its needs. Each one of us has different dietary requirements that are unique to us only so the steps we take to achieve gut health play a pivotal role in our lives.
To achieve good health, let’s take a look at some recommendations below.
Increase your leafy intake
A lot of people tend to struggle to incorporate greens into their weekly meals. Unfortunately, they are exactly what we need to achieve a balanced gut. This is only because vegetables consist of high levels of fiber, which have a link to the growth of good bacteria in your body. As such, increasing your leafy intake reaps a number of benefits that include greater gut health, better bowel movement, as well as reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
Reduce your sugar intake
Many of us love indulging in sweet treats right after a heavy meal as it makes us feel good. This is due to the endorphins, such as serotonin, that are released when we consume these sweet delicacies. However, high sugar levels can cause gut dysbiosis and bacteria buildup in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can prevent you from achieving a healthy digestive system due to the excess bacteria that may be residing in your gut.
Increase intake of fermented food
Fermented types of food may seem gross to some, but believe it or not, they can bring great benefits to your digestive system. This is solely due to the fact that sugars found in food are converted to various types of bacteria that are absorbed into the bloodstream. These bacteria have health benefits and can promote the nutritional value of the food that we consume. Some examples of healthy fermented food can include tempeh, tofu, kimchi, and sauerkraut, among others.
Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol Intake
While it can be a ritual practice for some to grab a cup of coffee in the morning or indulge in a glass of wine after a long day at work, it is important to note that your caffeine and alcohol intake have effects on your gut health. They can cause irritation to your digestive system which can make room for bowel and digestion issues to take place within your body. To ensure that your gut health is at its optimal level, cut down on caffeine and alcohol.
While habits may initially seem like they are hard to adopt, it is important to note that what we consume and put into our bodies plays a pivotal role in achieving a healthy lifestyle. If you are looking to gain detailed insight on how to achieve a healthy gut system, you could consider engaging your local health provider or other qualified health professionals who have completed online FNP programs to provide you with a comprehensive perspective on the steps to take to get a strong digestive system. Now that we are well aware of how our digestive system works, it is time for us to put our knowledge into use!
