Four tips for improving gut health

A healthy gut is extremely important to our health. One of the best things we can do for our health is to live in a way to support the health of our digestive system. A healthy gut will result in optimal absorption of nutrients from our food, giving us the energy we need to feel great all the time. Our gut also holds most of our immune system and billions of bacteria that share a connection with our brain and have the ability to influence mood and personality. rnFour tips for improving gut health.

Drink lots of water

Water is an essential nutrient needed in the body daily for normal function. It’s also absolutely essential for efficient digestion and the processing of food. rnWhen we’re dehydrated, the colon will squeeze additional fluid out of the digestive tract to supplement fluid needs for normal daily functions. Mild dehydration can lead to the hard stool that is difficult to pass, which can disrupt regular bowel motions as well as create bloating and flatulence. As a guide, aim to drink approximately 30mls of water per kilogram of body weight of water throughout the to support adequate hydration to encourage healthy regular bowel motions. This is just a guide so listen to your bodies thirst signals and drink when it’s telling you to and adjust upwards if you’re engaging in physical activity.

Eat plenty of vegetables and some fruit

The vitamins, minerals, and fiber from fruit and vegetables are extremely important for digestive health and many of us are not eating enough of them. They contain many properties that support bowel motility and feed the colonies of friendly bacteria. Vegetables and fruit contain soluble and insoluble fiber which help move things along at a good pace and help pass out toxins and waste. Soluble fiber is the soft gummy fiber which helps to create softly formed bowel motions. Insoluble crude fiber helps to create bulk and stimulate motility. rnFiber is also important for feeding healthy bacteria. These friendly colonies play many roles in protecting us from various diseases. Feed your friendly gut bugs with bright colorful plant matter to keep them healthy and happy.

Reduce processed sugar

Almost everyone in the western world can benefit from eating less sugar. Added sugar refers to what’s added in processed and packaged food as well as sauces, dressings, confectionery, and sugar in tea or coffee. These refined sugars have no regular place in a healthy diet and are damaging to human health. Fruit contains natural sugars which will spike insulin but contain enough fiber, vitamins, and minerals to make them worth eating in moderation. Added sugar from the diet feeds nasty bacteria and yeasts in the gut and can lead to the imbalance of friendly versus unfriendly microbial species. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is a known to cause of multiple food intolerances. Reducing sugar supports good digestive health by aiding in restoring the balance of friendly bacteria. Leading to better digestion.

Consider a Digestive Supplement

As we age our ability to digest food naturally diminishes. By following the steps above you can slow this process down but it will slowly happen regardless. We start to process fewer enzymes, less stomach acid and our ability to absorb nutrients worsens. By supplementing with digestive enzymes, prebiotic fiber, and natural anti-inflammatories, we are able to give our digestive system a boost and help it do its thing. Biosphere Nutrition provides an all in one digestive aid and immune support for you to consider.