If you have been anywhere in the internet in the last few years, you have heard the word "gut health" and with that comes a lot of confusion. What is going on in the gut? What do I eat for a healthy gut? Well, stay tuned because we are going to dive deep into this!
HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHY GUT...
Eating a balanced diet: A diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps promote a diverse range of gut bacteria and a healthy gut environment. The more diversity in your diet the better!! (Challenge yourself... how many different plants can you eat in one week??)
Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep the digestive system running smoothly and supports a healthy gut.
Managing stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and affect digestion. Managing stress through practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help promote gut health.
Getting enough sleep: Lack of sleep can negatively impact gut health by disrupting the body's natural rhythms and decreasing the diversity of gut bacteria. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Regular exercise: Exercise helps promote healthy digestion and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Avoiding antibiotics when possible: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics when possible. (I am NOT a doctor, always chat with your doctor and do what is best for YOU!)
Limiting alcohol and processed foods: High alcohol consumption and processed foods can negatively impact gut health by disrupting the balance of gut bacteria and contributing to inflammation. (balance is KEY!)
Taking probiotics and prebiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help promote gut health, while prebiotics are fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir and prebiotic-rich foods like garlic and onions into your diet can help promote gut health.
I have tonnes of healthy recipes that support your gut in my recipe guide HERE!