Poor Digestion? 5 Ways of Improving your Gut Health

In the modern days, where most individuals live their lives constantly on the go, in order to meet the required nutritional needs, people often choose quick, cheap, and simple meals, which usually means meals packed with processed and high sugar ingredients, over healthy meals. This, along with additional contributing factors such as high levels of stress and lack of sleep may seriously deteriorate our mental and physical health, particularly our gut microbiome. Digestive problems can range from bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea to chronic issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, also commonly known as IBS. 

A poor digestive system, can, in turn, result in poor brain and heart function, weak immune system, skin and weight issues, hormone levels, and even more complex and serious issues like cancer. You should take specific cautions and measures to support your digestive system in order to prevent these issues and improve your overall gut health and well-being. Below, we will demonstrate a few basic steps to improve the health of your gut and avoid serious complications. 

Take Supplements

The majority do not see the need to take supplements such as probiotics or digestive enzymes in their diet. Although this can significantly improve the health of your gut and overall digestive system. Digestive enzymes are essential to balanced nutrition and overall health. Individuals who lack digestive enzymes may develop a weak immune system, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and malnutrition. If you have difficulty choosing the best digestive enzymes, there are reviews by experts that advise you of the top choices available to you, to best increase the growth of positive bacteria in the gut. It is advisable that you seek medical help before taking supplements, in case you have overlying conditions that may impede the recognition of the benefits of these supplements.

Sleep Time

Sleep is highly important to your overall health, and it can be very easy to not get the sleep hours your body requires to recharge. Lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep can lead to serious negative impacts on your gut health, which can in turn cause more sleep issues. You should prioritize sleeping at least 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night and seek medical advice if you are having issues with this.

Eat Slowly

You may be in a rush and just eating to survive, or often eating in front of their desktops as they continue with their work. Although this is a mistake many people make in the current era as people lead chaotic lives, which can seriously damage your gut’s health. Chewing your food thoroughly and taking your time when eating your meals can support the full digestion and absorption of nutrients. You should try and make time to eat relaxed, and focus on this only.

Stay Hydrated

Our bodies need water to stay hydrated, this is good for your health overall and also presents many benefits to your digestive health. Drinking plenty of water has been shown to have a highly positive effect on the mucosal lining of the intestines, as well as on the balance of good bacteria in the gut. It does not matter how busy you are, make sure you always sip water throughout the day.

Change Your Diet

It should be a no brainer that what you eat has a serious impact on your digestive system. Even though it may seem difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle due to lack of time and potential lack of financial means, eating healthy does not have to be complex and it can really change your gut and overall health. There are a few things you can do straight away such as reducing the amount of processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods that you eat, and instead of eating plenty of plant-based foods and lean protein. The fiber in your diet is essential as it has been shown to contribute greatly to healthy gut microbiome.

Consider Food Intolerances

Unfortunately, many individuals suffer digestive problems, even when they believe they are taking precautions to have a healthy diet. If you lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy, balanced diet, but continue to have symptoms such as cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rashes, nausea or acid reflux, you may be suffering from food intolerance. You should consider seeking medical help to check for any allergies or intolerances you may have as eliminating this would most definitely improve the symptoms you are suffering with.

Eating healthy is often seen as a difficult thing to achieve. No matter how busy you are you should take your health seriously and always prioritize this as without it you have nothing else.