Gut health has become a popular practice amongst health enthusiasts, but it can be a difficult topic to navigate at first. Health research is always growing, and in recent years the subject of gut health has been shown to have more of an effect on our cholesterol, immune system, mental health, weight, skin, and even risk of heart disease. There’s no wonder it has become a topic of such interest!
It has been determined that looking after your gut is an excellent way to improve and boost your health and well-being. One of the best ways you can do this is through the food that you eat. This is because the microbiome that lives in your gut needs a wide variety of good bacteria and minimal levels of bad bacteria, which comes from what you consume.
Here are some of the best ways you can improve your gut health via food.
#1 Eat more plant-based foods
Plant-based food includes a range of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and legumes. This is because natural food is a great way to boost the microbiome in your gut, and promote a diverse ecosystem of good bacteria that can benefit your gut health. You don’t have to go plant-based full time to reap the benefits, but you should consider eating more plant-based alternatives and reducing the amount of processed food and sugar that you consume. Processed food does not contain the same level of good bacteria the gut needs to thrive.
#2 Increase your fiber
The recommended amount of fiber is at least 30g per day per person. However, it is estimated that the average person eats significantly less than that. Fiber is also another great source that provides your gut with more diversity and balance.
#3 Incorporate prebiotic and probiotic foods into your diet
Probiotics are live (good) bacteria and yeasts that are good for your gut, and prebiotics are plant fibers that feed the healthy bacteria to help them survive and thrive. With a healthy diet that incorporates a range of vegetables, you should be able to get a good amount of prebiotics into your body, as they mainly come from plant-based foods such as leeks, onions, garlic, and spinach. However, probiotics are a bit more difficult to find, as they are typically found in fermented foods, such as live yogurt, pickles, and homemade concoctions you can create, like from this sauerkraut recipe.
#4 Stay hydrated
Drinking lots of water has plenty of benefits from increasing your energy to reducing the risk of headaches and migraines. It can also support bodily functions and the health of your gut by keeping things running smoothly. Fiber absorbs water, which supports it passing through and out your system. Dehydration can lead to discomfort and blockages which will not support the health of your gut.
Gut health has been shown to benefit your mental health and physical well-being in a variety of ways. Simply by making adjustments to your diet and incorporating more plant-based foods, fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and increasing your water intake, you can boost your gut health.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and nothing here or anywhere on this site can be taken as medical or health advice, so check with your physician before following any advice or information you find at aCameraAndaCookbook.com.
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