Having a healthy gut goes beyond making the digestive process a smooth one. Gut health affects not only your tummy but also your metabolism, immune system, body weight, inflammation levels, and many other aspects of your health and bodily functions.
Gut health refers to the efficacy of your digestive system. Your gastrointestinal tract breaks down the food you eat, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. It’s also home to trillions of microorganisms that make up your gut microbiome.
Your gut microbiome can contain harmful substances, but it typically contains mostly helpful organisms that fight off intrusive bacteria and viruses that could harm your health. Having an unbalanced microbiome puts you at risk for diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, depression, and some cancers.
Thankfully, there are lots of things you can do to ensure your gut stays healthy and functions effectively. Our team at GI Physicians, Inc. in Lima, Ohio, led by expert gastroenterologist Ven Kottapalli, MD, CNSP, offers some practical ways you can invest in your gut health in this month’s blog.
Chronically high stress levels can take a toll on your overall health, and your gut isn’t immune. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can change the makeup of your gut microbiome. These are a few things you can try to bring your stress levels down and calm your gut:
You may also find that spending time with loved ones or your pet reduces stress and calms your body.
Your body needs sleep to regulate your bodily systems and functions, from weight regulation to fertility. Some studies have also shown that sleep can affect your gut health and vice versa.
Because of this, it’s important to get 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep each night. You can encourage good sleep habits by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Eliminating screens, reducing noise, and blocking light in your bedroom can also help create a restful environment and encourage good sleep.
Eating a diet full of sugary, fatty, and processed foods can take a toll on your gut by destroying the delicate balance of your gut microbiome. Because of this, it’s important to limit these foods and focus on nourishing options that are full of fiber instead. Some examples are:
Other foods known to improve gut health include fermented foods like kimchi or yogurt and collagen-boosting foods like bone broth or salmon skin.
If you notice symptoms of declining gut health such as an upset stomach, fatigue, unexplained weight fluctuations, or skin irritation, taking a prebiotic or probiotic can help correct gut microbiome imbalances.
A prebiotic is a supplement that encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria while a probiotic contains actual live microorganisms. Our team can discuss what type might work best for you and which supplement you should take.
To learn more about how to support your gut health, schedule an appointment with our team by calling our office or booking online today.
