You might not realize it, but your gut health is inextricably linked to your overall health and wellbeing, which means that taking care of your gut can help not just with digestion and comfort in that area, but with many different aspects of the body and even the mind.
The digestive system is complex, and scientists and doctors are still studying it, trying to work out exactly what it does and how it helps the body. What they do know is that there are as many as 500 different types of bacteria within the gut (both good and bad), and it is this balance of bacteria that is so important. A slight imbalance and you can become unwell. With that in mind, here are some ways to take care of your gut for your digestive and overall health.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Probably the best way to take care of your gut is to feed it healthy food, and that will aid in the balance of bacteria. Fruit and vegetables in a variety of colors (trying to eat a rainbow of colors each day is a good target to have) will keep your gut healthy, and that means the rest of your body will be healthy too.
If you eat lots of processed food and skip the vegetables more often than not, the bad bacteria in your gut will have a chance to get out of control, which will lead to bloating, fatigue, pain, and sometimes long-term health problems too.
Drink Less Alcohol
Alcohol is not good for the gut, so it should only be drunk sparingly, otherwise you are setting yourself up for a plethora of digestive problems. The problem is that alcohol usually contains a lot of sugar, and that sugar is the ideal substance to make the bad bacteria proliferate and the good bacteria die off. The less alcohol you drink, the better balanced your gut will be.
An alternative to alcohol, apart from water, of course, which is always ideal, is tea. Tea helps to soothe your stomach and enables the body to metabolize rich foods more easily. The easiest way to enjoy a cup of tea after dinner is to use Keurig tea pods which are simple to use and will give you a drink to aid digestion quickly and effortlessly.
Don’t Lose The Carbs
There are such things as ketogenic diets that require you to eliminate all carbs from your diet. This might help when it comes to losing weight, but it’s not a good thing for your overall gut health. In fact, some carbs can be a good thing, ensuring that your digestive system is working at its best.
Good carbs include brown rice, lentils, and potatoes. These contain all the good vitamins and minerals, as well as plenty of fiber, your body needs. Plus, carbs are digested much more slowly than other foods. This benefits you as it will make you feel fuller for longer, eliminating the temptation of snacking between meals or eating too much in general.
