Daily Habits and Gut Health

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According to a certified nutritionist and health coach Erin Akey “Gut health boosts the immune system as it produces 70-80 % serotonin used by the brain”. Gut health also affects mental health, weight, blood sugar, and liver.

Good gut health depends on the count of good and bad bacteria known as Gut Biome. The gut biome diversifies based on diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors therefore our regular daily habits could be hurting our gut health.

Harmless things that can affect gut

Lack of Exercise

Studies suggest that physical activity can alter your gut bacteria and support gut health. Physical activities our digestive tract a chance to move all of the waste through properly. Limited physical activities can start things like constipation, IBS, and much more.

Not Eating Enough Fiber

Fiber helps with digestion, feelings of satiety, and blood sugar stabilization. Inadequate fiber intake can lead to constipation and diverticulosis thus affecting gut health.

Dehydration

Drinking more water eases chronic constipation, a regular side effect of poor gut health. Staying hydrated allows your intestines to function properly and keeps food waste moving through the digestive system till its exit. According to Becky Kerkenbush, a registered dietician at Watertown Regional Medical Center, recommends at least eight cups of fluid per day with water being your best choice.”

Processed Foods

According to Akey chemicals in processed food and high sugar content impact our gut adversely. We can keep our gut healthy if we cut out excess sugar and processed fake food. In fact, whole foods can keep your gut bacteria as diverse and balanced as possible.

Diets High in Fat

Dietary fats can damage gut lining that allows certain bacteria to leak into the bloodstream or create inflammation. This also slows down digestion and lead to bloating, constipation, heartburn, gas and increases the risk of colon cancer. Good fats, with choices like olive oil, fish, and avocados can be good for gut health.

Rushed Dining Habits

Fast eating can make us consume more food (more calories) before feeling full as stomach takes 20-30 minutes to signal to our brain that we’re feeling full or satisfied. More food simply means more digestive issues.

Too Much Alcohol

According to a study too much alcohol can cause dysbiosis a bacteria imbalance inside the body. According to Kerkenbush Alcohol is dehydrating, irritate stomach lining and cause heartburn.

Constant Stress

A research on research published in the journal Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity increased stress impact the gut biome and our immune system, based. Another study found that insufficient sleep can reduce friendly gut bacteria. A self-care in the form of yoga, meditation, extra sleep, and rest days can lower stress levels for good gut health.

Skipping Prebiotics and Probiotics

Probiotics boost the number of good bacteria in our gut. Foods like yogurt naturally offer probiotics. Similarly, Prebiotics are fiber which is food for good bacteria in the gut and help to increase the good bacteria count. Myfy fiber is a prebiotic fiber that helps to keep the gut healthy.