- By Priyanka Munshi
- Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Gut Health Tips: Gut health is something that is extremely important for digestion, nutrition absorption, and immune system performance. Improving gut health is essential for overall health. An efficient digestive system, reduced inflammation, and a strong immune system are all benefits of a balanced microbiome.
Also, because there is a close relationship between the stomach and the brain, mental health can benefit from a healthy gut. Including fermented foods, probiotics, and foods high in fiber in your diet encourages the growth of good bacteria and creates a healthy environment in your gut. Moreover, gut health influences not only digestion but also mood, energy levels, and resistance to disease, making it a holistic approach to your well-being.
Doctor Approved Insight On How To Improve Your Gut Health (Image Credit: Canva)
Dr. Sarathchandra Gorantla, who is a consultant gastroenterologist at the Hepatologist and Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, exclusively told Jagran English about the ways to improve gut health and how it impacts the whole body.
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According to Dr. Sarathchandra, "the gut, or gastrointestinal tract, plays a vital role in overall health and disease prevention. An unhealthy gut can contribute to issues like inflammation, autoimmune diseases, mood disorders, and more. Fortunately, there are steps one can take to improve gut health."
Eat More Fiber
Consuming more fiber is one of the best things you can do for your gut health. Fiber feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome. Aim for at least 25–30 grams of fiber per day from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Fiber also helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to stools.
Take Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics. You can also take probiotic supplements, especially after a course of antibiotics, which can kill off beneficial bacteria. Probiotics help repopulate the gut with healthy microbes.
Manage stress Levels
Chronic stress can alter gut microbiota balance and compromise the gut lining, allowing bacteria and toxins to "leak" into the bloodstream. This causes inflammation throughout the body. Activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and regular exercise can help manage stress levels and support a healthy gut.
Doctor Approved Insight On How To Improve Your Gut Health (Image Credit: Canva)
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough fluids is vital for digestive health and preventing constipation. Aim for about two liters of total fluid intake per day. Water is best, along with herbal teas, broths, and diluted fruit or vegetable juices. Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can promote dehydration.
At last, Dr. Sarathchandra said, "Optimizing gut health positively impacts the whole body. Consuming more fiber and probiotics, managing stress, and staying hydrated can help support the trillions of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. This helps reduce systemic inflammation and the risk of many chronic diseases. Paying attention to the gut is one of the best things you can do for your overall well-being."
