Health is something sooner or later we realize is the most important thing. Without good health, nothing else really matters as we're not able to travel, hang out with our friends and family, and after all provide for ourselves. I wanted to share a bit about my journey to improve my gut health. It's been a game-changer for me and my overall health as someone who has a lot of problems with feeling bloated and uncomfortable. I'm excited to pass along some tips that have worked wonders for me these past couple of months. So, here's how I've been taking care of my gut and reaping the benefits of a healthier digestive system.
1. Ditching Processed Foods
One of the first steps I took was reducing the processed foods I eat daily. I swapped them out for whole, nutrient-rich options. Fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins – you name it. It made a noticeable difference in my overall well-being. I noticed that my overall energy levels increased. Finding easy recipes that contain a lot of unprocessed ingredients is one of the best ways to start taking care of your gut health. There are so many amazing recipes that you can make in 30 minutes.
2. Embracing Probiotics
Probiotics became my gut's best friend. I introduced more fermented foods into my diet like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. They're loaded with those friendly bacteria that support digestion and promote a happy gut environment. I like to drink a glass of yogurt in the morning. As I noticed that I'm lactose intolerant I replaced milk and cornflakes with yogurt and cornflakes. If you haven't tried it you need to as, in my opinion, it is even better than milk.
3. Staying Hydrated
It might sound simple, but staying hydrated is a game-changer. Water helps everything in our bodies function better, including digestion. I try to sip water throughout the day, and it has made a noticeable difference in how my gut feels. I always have a water bottle near me and find myself reaching forward even when I might not be that thirsty. Adding lemons to my water or vitamins is another great way to get hydrated and some extra vitamins throughout the day.
4. Adding Fiber to Every Meal
Fiber became my gut's superhero. I started incorporating more whole grains, legumes, and fiber-rich foods into each meal. Not only did it keep things moving smoothly, but it also helped maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
5. Mindful Eating Practices
I started paying more attention to how I eat. Taking the time to sit down, chew my food slowly, and savor each bite has been surprisingly beneficial. It aids digestion and helps me avoid that uncomfortable bloated feeling. A few years ago I read that every bite should be chewed around 40 times and once I started doing it (I don't do it all the time) I noticed that my digestion was so much better and I didn't feel as bloated.
6. Reducing Stress
Stress has a sneaky way of affecting our gut health. I made an effort to incorporate stress-reducing activities into my routine – whether it's long walks, reading, or just taking a few deep breaths. It's amazing how much this has positively impacted my digestion.
7. Getting Quality Sleep
Sleep is often underestimated in its impact on gut health. I prioritized getting a good night's sleep, aiming for those solid 7-8 hours. It turns out; that my gut loves it just as much as the rest of my body. It gets much easier once you start going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time. I usually go to bed around 11 pm and wake up around 8 am.
8. Regular Exercise
I found that moving my body regularly does wonders for my digestion. It doesn't have to be anything intense – a simple walk or some light stretching can do the trick. Exercise keeps everything in my gut moving smoothly. I enjoy at-home workouts the most. I just turn on YouTube and choose workout videos that sound fun and not too hard to do.
9. Limiting Antibiotic Use
While antibiotics have their time and place, I became more cautious about their use. I started discussing alternatives with my healthcare provider and explored options that have fewer impacts on my gut microbiome. Opting for more natural ways to boost the immune system is the approach I decided to take.
10. Listening to My Body
Most importantly, I started listening to my body. If something doesn't agree with me, I pay attention. Our bodies have a way of letting us know what they need and tuning into those signals has been a crucial part of my gut health journey. I encourage you to research the signs our body gives us. Especially if you are a woman as each part of our cycle has a big impact on your overall health.
Remember, improving gut health is a journey that might take some time, not a destination. These changes that I mentioned above didn't happen overnight, and I'm still learning and adjusting what works best for my body. However, the positive impact on my overall well-being has been worth every effort and research I did. If you're thinking about making changes for your gut health, start small, listen to your body, and enjoy the process!
Post a Comment