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GUT HEALTH


We all have an intricate system going through our bodies that is responsible for absorbing all of the nutrients that keep us going. Our gut — or our gastrointestinal system — is vital to keeping us alive and well. However, our gut is often ignored. Everybody has experienced some form of digestive issues at some point throughout their lives, from bloating to constipation, so it’s a good idea to always be taking care of your gut. Here’s how!

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Eating small portions of food more often throughout the day gives your gut the full opportunity to process the food.

  • Stay hydrated. Water helps digestion as well as the absorption of nutrients. Drinks including caffeine, sugar, or alcohol should be consumed infrequently (or not at all).

  • Eat fibre-rich foods. Foods that are high in fibre help to maintain a well-functioning colon and healthy bowel movements.

  • Take probiotics. Probiotics contain special bacteria that promote good gut health and keep your system running properly.

  • Maintain a healthful lifestyle. Consuming a balanced diet, participating in frequent exercise, and avoiding harmful activities like smoking can contribute a great deal to your gut health.

  • Choose lean meats. Opt for meats like chicken or fish and avoid any foods that are fried or high in animal fats and grease.

As we’ve mentioned, our gastrointestinal systems are intricate and complicated. Having said that, there are many common complaints related to different factors of gut health that can be rectified through just a few changes:

  • Constipation refers to when food materials move very slowly through the colon and causes discomfort as well as adverse health effects. There can be many contributing factors of constipation, but the most common contributors are not consuming enough water and having a diet that’s too low in fibre.

  • Bloating is the gross feeling of your gut being swollen. Bloating can sometimes lead to discomfort, pain, and feeling overfull. Gas accumulation in the stomach and intestines is the culprit of bloating, which can be triggered by things like hormonal changes and new medications. Some foods that can cause bloating are beans, lentils, apples, and cabbages. Carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and aspartame have also been known to cause bloating.

  • Flatulence means, of course, the passing of gas, and is a normal part of digestion. Passing too much gas can be embarrassing and could be the result of sudden changes in diet or overconsumption of carbohydrates.

Don’t take your gut health for granted! Gastrointestinal problems can disrupt your day-to-day life and cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Your digestive system plays a big role in keeping you properly fueled and functioning, so make sure it stays healthy!

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