Research-Backed Ways to Improve Gut Health
As more and more people start to think about ways to live healthier, gut health and nutrition are becoming popular topics of discussion. This awareness has led to several diagnoses of a wide range of health conditions, like leaky gut or food intolerances. Unfortunately, with the increase in awareness surrounding gut health, there have been a variety of fad diets with dubious research and other claims backing them, which can make it hard to find a good source of information for how to heal your gut. Here are several research-backed ways to improve your gut health.
It’s important to note that before working to find ways to help your gut, you need to know that you have some sort of gastrointestinal issue in the first place. Naming the problem is the first step towards fixing it. This process begins with talking to a reputable gastroenterologist who can help you understand what’s the cause of your problems, as well as potential risks related to the condition. If your health insurance doesn’t currently cover visits to specialists, or if you’re interested in being seen by someone who’s not in-network, it may be worth considering getting a temporary health insurance policy from Agile Health Insurance. They provide health insurance quotes in Texas, New Jersey, and anywhere else in the country, making them a great resource for all Americans. With the ability to get a quote quickly and efficiently, this can be the exact kind of coverage you need to get your gut health back on track.
Understanding your symptoms is another important part of recognizing whether you’re just feeling bloated, nauseated, or when you have an actual health concern. According to Healthline, there are seven major signs of an unhealthy gut, including an upset stomach, a high-sugar diet, and abnormal or inconsistent weight changes. You may also have an underlying gut condition if you have skin rashes or other signs of an autoimmune disease. Food allergies or intolerances are one final sign that something is wrong with your gut’s biome.
When it comes to improving your gut health, many of the strategies worth considering don’t even begin with the foods that you eat. For example, reducing your stress levels and increasing the amount of sleep you get each night have been shown to improve your gut health. Hydration is another thing that can keep your gut healthy, as water keeps your intestine’s mucous-lining fresh and helps promote biodiversity in your gut, too.
If you are looking to change your diet, start with small changes like increasing the amount of fiber you get each day. Raspberries, pears, and apples are both high-fiber foods, as are peas, broccoli, potatoes, and Brussel sprouts. Mayo Clinic recommends that women get at least 21 grams of fiber a day, while men should aim for at least 30 grams of fiber. A probiotic supplement can also help boost your gut’s natural bacteria, which play a vital role in how you digest certain foods. Other probiotics, like Lactobacillus Reuteri, can even help with cardiovascular health and cholesterol. If you’d rather get natural probiotics than take a supplement, fermented foods can be a great boon for gut health. For example, introducing items like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and miso into your diet can help get you the probiotics you need to get your gut health back on track.
As you can see, there are plenty of natural ways to help your gut that rely on science over marketing. There are plenty of easily-accessible fruits, vegetables, and other foods that have been shown to help keep your stomach working well. Keep these tips, supplements, and foods in mind, and you’ll be able to improve your gut health in no time at all.
