Although you may not realize it, your gut is one of the most important parts of your body. It contains around 70% of your immune system which means that it can also affect your whole body. Gut health isn’t something people often think about, but if you want to feel good physically and mentally then it’s an essential thing to remember. If this area of your life isn’t taken care of then over time this could develop into a more serious problem. So what are some methods for helping to maintain great gut health? In this article by NEX Wellness, we share some information about five easy steps that can gradually improve how you feel overall.
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Eat plenty of fiber
The best way to have healthy gut flora is by eating lots of soluble fiber from various plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Soluble fiber is nutrient-dense and a great source of energy which means that it can be easily broken down by your gut flora. Fibre helps to feed the healthy bacteria in your gut so that they have a better chance of multiplying. This will give you more protection from illness and help keep your digestive system working smoothly too. If you can’t eat enough fiber naturally then there are also many foods rich in added soluble fiber which you could try instead.
Eat plenty of good quality fermented foods
Fermented or cultured foods such as yogurt, kefir, and other dairy products contain lots of probiotics that contribute to healthy gut flora too. These foods promote the friendly bacteria already living in your gut and help maintain the optimal balance between these and the other organisms that live there. To get the most out of these special foods, be sure to choose those that have been made with whole ingredients and no sugars or other additives. Fermented grass-fed organic dairy is the best option for this as it contains lots of healthy nutrients whilst still having a better fatty acid content than other fermented dairy products.
Consume prebiotics
Prebiotics are another kind of nutrient that can help to encourage healthy gut flora. These are fibers that your body cannot digest but which stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria instead. Whole plant foods, especially raw fruits and vegetables, are full of prebiotic fiber so make sure you are getting plenty of these in your diet also alongside soluble fiber sources. You can also try taking a supplement if you don’t get enough from your food alone. Just bear in mind that supplements often come with added sugars or other ingredients which aren’t beneficial for gut health so always read labels carefully and go for the purest option available if possible.
Balance some good fats
Certain kinds of fat can be really good for your gut health and also help protect against inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important and you can get them from eating fish, some nuts and seeds, and using cold-pressed oils such as flaxseed oil or hemp seed oil. Just be sure to avoid omega-6 polyunsaturated fats which may cause more inflammation than they prevent or cure.
Eat a wide range of nutritious whole foods
As well as including plenty of soluble fiber, fermented foods, prebiotics, good quality fats, and other vitamins and minerals in your diet, it’s also vital that you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables too (raw when possible). These contain lots of antioxidants to support healthy gut function by protecting cells from oxidative damage and also contain many other nutrients that are needed for the health of your gut flora. Eating a well-rounded, natural diet can go a long way in helping to maintain great gut health so if you’re having GI problems then be sure to concentrate on your diet as much as possible.
To learn more about natural ways that you can ensure that your gut health flourishes, we encourage you to get in touch with our team at NEX Wellness today.
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