Here are 5 Easy Ways to Improve your Gut Health!
A healthy gut is a healthy (and happy, YOU). Getting your gut health on track is step number 1 to supporting your overall health including your immune system and mood. Here are 5 ways that you can improve your gut health.
1. Consume Fermented Foods and Drinks
Firstly, eating fermented foods can boost the number of beneficial bacteria and probiotics in your gut. These probiotics are found in fermented foods and drinks like kimchi and kombucha. Probiotics are amazing at producing beneficial gut bacteria.
2. Limit Artificial Sweeteners
Research shows that artificial sweeteners have a negative effect on the microbiome. A study done with animals found that mice who consumed artificial sweeteners developed glucose intolerance. On the other hand, the mice consuming sugar or plain water did not develop glucose intolerance. Some sweeteners tested included Splenda, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, and saccharin. Above all, a good trial is cutting out artificial sweeteners altogether and seeing how it improves your gut health.
3. Eat More Whole Food
Next, whole foods, as opposed to processed foods, promote healthy digestion because they are rich in fibre and nutrients. These are needed to build good gut bacteria. However, processed foods contain added sugar, fat and salt. These elements can harm your gut microbiome.
4. Make Probiotics a Part of your Daily Routine
Probiotics are a substance that stimulates the growth of microorganisms, especially those with beneficial properties. They are live microorganisms that add to your good gut bacteria. When taken in sufficient amounts, they help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria.
5. Eat Foods with Polyphenols
Lastly, polyphenols are in many foods and can help your body fight off diseases. Polyphenols are found in plant-based foods. Also, polyphenols are packed with antioxidants. Moreover, polyphenols are considered prebiotics because they feed the Bifidobacteria in your gut and increase the population of good bacteria.
Foods rich in polyphenols:
- Dark chocolate
- Kombucha
- Green tea
- Blueberries
