All about the gut microbiome 

7 ways to improve gut health

There are four categories of foods that are beneficial to gut health

Take Away

The gut's enormous complexity, as well as its importance to our overall health, is an area of medical research that is rapidly expanding. Several studies over the last two decades have connected gut health to the immune system, emotions, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine abnormalities, skin maladies, and cancer. 

Our digestive system was once thought to become a "fundamental" body system, consisting primarily of a single lengthy tube by which our food would pass, be processed, and then be expelled. 

The microorganisms that reside in your gut are referred to as the "gut microbiome." Between 300 and 500 distinct bacteria species can be found in a person's digestive tract. While certain bacteria are harmful to our health, many others are beneficial and even necessary for the normal functioning of a healthy body. 

Having a diverse population of these good bacteria in your stomach can help you lose weight, strengthen your immune system, and provide a boatload of other benefits. 

The "gut microbiome" is a collection of microorganisms that live in your intestines. Between 300 and 500 different species of bacteria can be found in the human digestive tract. While certain bacteria are harmful to our health, others are useful and even necessary for the normal functioning of a healthy body. 

Having a diverse population of these good bacteria in your stomach can help you lose weight, strengthen your immune system, and provide a variety of other benefits. 

1. Constipation

The signs of a bacterial overgrowth in the gut include gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and indigestion. A functioning gut is more efficient in processing food and eliminating waste. 

2. A high-sugar diet is consumed

Eating a diet high in packaged foods and added sweets can diminish the amount of healthy bacteria in your stomach. Sugar cravings may grow as a result of this disequilibrium, further hurting your stomach. Sugars that have been refined, especially high-fructose corn syrup, have been linked to an increase in inflammatory processes. Inflammatory response has been related with several diseases, notably tumors. 

3. Unintentional weight fluctuations

Obesity gain or loss without changing your food or exercise regime could indicate a problem with your intestines. An unbalanced gut can impair your body's uptake of nutrients, control blood sugar levels, and adipose fat. Weight loss might be aided by small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), whereas weight gain can be exacerbated by insulin resistance or the drive to overeat as a result of poor meal absorption. 

4. Sleep apnea or tiredness that lasts a long time

An unhealthy gut can exacerbate sleep issues like insomnia or poor sleep, resulting in chronic tiredness. The majority of the body's serotonin, a chemical that affects mood and sleep, is produced in the gut. As a result, gut damage may make getting a good night's sleep harder. Sleep deprivation has been linked to a higher rate of fibromyalgia. 

7 ways to improve gut health

1. Get rid of your anxiety

High stress levels have an adverse effect on your rest of the body, notably your gut. Relaxation, exercising, getting therapy, spending time with friends and family, diffusing essential oils, lowering caffeine intake, laughing, yoga, and having a pet are all stress-relieving activities. Here are ten ways to feel less stressed. 

2. Get enough sleep

Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can have a serious impact on your gut health, leading to more sleep issues. Make it a goal to sleep for at least 7–8 hours per night. If you're having difficulties sleeping, your doctor is likely to assist. 

3. When eating, take your time

Chewing your food thoroughly and eating your meals slowly can help with digestion and nutritional absorption This may assist to relieve stomach pain while also keeping your digestive system healthy. 

4. Make sure to drink enough of water

Drinking enough water has been shown to enhance the mucosal lining of the intestines as well as the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. Keeping hydrated is an easy method to keep your gut healthy. 

5. Add a probiotic or prebiotic supplement to your diet

Incorporating a prebiotic or probiotic medication into your diet may benefit your gut health. Prebiotics are "food" that aid in the development of helpful bacteria in the intestine, while probiotics are healthy bacteria. People with bacterial overgrowth, such as SIBO, should avoid taking probiotics. Not all probiotics medications are created equal, and not all will help you. It's best to see your doctor before choosing a probiotic or prebiotic supplement to ensure you're getting the most out of it. 

6. Find out if you have any food allergies

You may have a food intolerance if you experience cramping, bloat, stomach pain, diarrhea, rash, sickness, fatigue, or gastroesophageal reflux. Consider avoiding common trigger foods to see if your symptoms improve. Modifying your eating habits may result in a positive change in your digestive health if you can pinpoint specific items or meals that are causing your symptoms. 

7. Make changes to your eating habits

Reduce the amount of artificial, high-sugar, and high-fat foods you consume to improve your gut health. In addition, eating a diet rich in plant-based foods and lean protein can improve your gut health. It has been proven that a high-fiber diet has a substantial impact on gut health. 

There are four categories of foods that are beneficial to gut health

Diet and gut health are inextricably linked. If you want to keep your microbiome healthy, avoid processed foods, high-fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars, as these foods destroy good bacteria and promote the growth of bad bacteria. You can also eat foods that promote the growth of good bacteria, which is good for your overall health. These foods include: 

1. Fiber-dense foods

High-fiber foods like legumes, lentils, peas, oats, bananas, strawberries, asparagus, and leeks have been shown in numerous studies to benefit gut health. 

2. Garlic and onion

Garlic and onion may offer anti-cancer and immune-system-enhancing properties that are connected to several of the gut's basic functions, according to numerous studies. Although some research has been done, some of these advantages are based on anecdotal evidence. 

3. Eat fermented foods

Food products like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, tempeh, miso, and kefir contain probiotics. Whilst composition of such foods varies, their impact on the gut flora has been studied extensively. 

4. Foods that aid in the formation of collagen

Collagen-rich foods such as chicken soup and fish may benefit both general and digestive health. Many of these benefits are based on hearsay, and much more research is required. You can also try consuming particular foods to boost your body's collagen production. Various foods, also including mushrooms, high-quality dairy, or certain meats, can be added. 

Take Away

Eat healthily, get plenty of rest, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

The human stomach is more complex than previously thought, and it has a big influence on general health. A healthy gut can boost your immune system, heart health, cognitive performance, improved happiness, good sleep, and correct digestion, among other things. It can also help you avoid cancer and autoimmune diseases. A variety of lifestyle changes can help you enhance overall gut health and, as a result, your overall health.