What You can Do to Have a Healthy Gut?

It was previously believed that the human digestive system was a fairly simple arrangement of organs that facilitated the breaking down and digestion of foods through a singular tube. Over time, science has evolved to bounds that now allow us to accurately understand the complex system that is our gastrointestinal tract. We can now understand how food is processed, broken down and digested during the course of it being ingested, and expelled from the body. 

 

The term ‘gut’ has a relatively loose interpretation in medical terms, as it is used to refer to the gastrointestinal tract or even the stomach. The term ‘gut microbiome’ however, does not share this vagueness. ‘Gut microbiome’ refers very specifically to the microorganisms that are present in our intestine that facilitate the digestion of food and are, unlike some microorganisms that pose us harm, essential in order for us to ensure the health of our bodies. It is gauged that we have in our bodies, 300-500 different types of microorganisms and bacteria in our digestive tract, each of which plays an essential role in fulfilling the digestive process.

 

Over time, however, it is possible that we begin the priority of a healthy gut, and allow our gut health to slip. In order to combat this, in this article, we will break down how to achieve a healthy gut, good gut health foods and how you can improve gut health.

Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

As with most issues with our body, the lack of a healthy gut will present symptoms; our body’s way of telling us that something isn’t quite right. Let’s take a look at some signs of an unhealthy gut.

• Unusual Variation in Weight

It is not hard to observe the correlation between a not so healthy gut and variations in our body weight, given that the gut microbiome is at the centre of correctly breaking down the food we intake into resources for the body and segregating it from the waste. An unusual variation in your weight is an indication that you don’t have a healthy gut, as its ability to intake essential nutrients from food is hindered, alongside the ability to store fat and regulate our blood sugar levels.

• Stomach Ache

An upset stomach or stomach ache can be a symptom telling you that you do not have a healthy gut. This is due to the fact that if you have an unhealthy gut, its ability to correctly process and digest food is hindered.

• Sugar Cravings

If you do not have a healthy gut, usually caused by a diet that is high in processed foods, the imbalance caused can result in an increase in cravings for foods high in sugar. This in turn can have an adverse effect on your gut, feeding what turns into a vicious cycle.

Food for Gut Health

As much as we would like to try and overcome the integration humans have with nature by creating a postmodern world littered with cities and artificial resources, we cannot escape it. This is not a bad thing. When our body is facing a deficit or illness, chances are that there is a cure present in nature already. Let’s have a look at some foods good for gut health.

• Yoghurt

Yogurt is one of the gut health foods that is an abundant source of ‘good bacteria’, more accurately known as probiotics. This good bacteria is beneficial for your gut.

• Kimchi

Kimchi, a fermented veggie that also offers our guts a rich source of probiotics. In addition to this, it is also a gut health food that is a reliable source of fibre and essential vitamins.

• Olive Oil

Olive oil also makes the list of foods good for gut health as it has a number of fatty acids and polyphenols that our gut microbiome likes, due to them contributing to a healthy gut. Additionally, olive oil as a gut health food is also known to reduce gut inflammation and aid in reducing indigestion and other digestion related problems.

• Garlic

Garlic has a number of antifungal properties and antibacterial properties that help in keeping the bad bacteria under control.

Things to Do for a Healthy Gut

• Sleep

Sleep is an essential part of a healthy gut. While gut health foods provide us with the resources for a healthy gut, sleep is also important for gut health. A lack of sleep could adversely affect gut health, which in turn could cause sleep-related issues as well. Getting a good amount of sleep, between 7-8 hours is beneficial for a healthy gut.

• Chew Your Food

A simple thing to do for a healthy gut is to ensure you take your time to chew your food. This way, enzymes and your food are broken down better, making it easier for digestion to take place.

• Eat Foods That Boost Collagen

Collagen is known to have benefits for your health. Consuming foods that are rich in collagen such as salmon and bone broth, therefore, could be beneficial for a healthy gut.

• Eat Fruits

Fruits are an abundant source of the fibres and good microbiota we require for a healthy gut. The fibres cannot be digested by the body, and the task is left up to bacteria in your gut to execute, which in turn facilitates their growth. Fruits such as artichokes, chickpeas and raspberries are examples of fruits for a healthy gut, though the list has a slew of others that you can attain benefits from as well.

Conclusion

A healthy gut is essential in order for you to be able to live a healthier lifestyle, allowing your body to make the most of the resources you provide it with. The foods good for gut health mentioned in this article offer an array of benefits, allowing you to ensure you have a healthy gut. Having a healthy gut is important, but it certainly isn’t the only thing you can do to keep yourself healthy and secure. Being financially prepared for any sort of medical emergency is crucial. On Bajaj Markets, you can choose from a number of health insurance options. Visit the Bajaj Markets website to choose a health insurance policy that is right for you. 

 

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