Written by Dena Schmidt
(NaturalHealth365) News about the importance of gut health and probiotics linked to overall health has been circulating quite a bit lately. Even conventionally-trained medical doctors are waking up to the importance of gut health.
Of course, it’s understandable, because digestive health is the key to every aspect of our physical, mental and emotional well-being. (if we ignore our digestion – we’ll eventually pay the unwanted price.)
Thankfully, there are a number of positive steps we can take to support a healthy gut microbiome. In doing so, we will absorb nutrients better, help keep the immune system strong and enjoy a much better mental/emotional outlook on life.
Get better gut health in 9 simple steps …
1. Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes assist in breaking down food, reducing inflammation and regulating immune responses that could otherwise damage tissues. Taking high-quality enzyme supplements with meals can help to address deficits, support digestive health and optimize nutrition.
If you’re unsure about your options – consult a trusted, healthcare provider with experience in nutritional counseling.
2. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables
Assuming your digestive system can tolerate this: You should be eating more organic fruits and vegetables anyway, but doing so can also contribute to an ideal balance of digestive enzymes in the gut.
While all fruits and veggies contain enzymes, those with the most beneficial effects include spinach, apples, pineapples, carrots, avocados, grapefruits and tomatoes. If you’re not used to eating this way – start off with smaller amounts and work your way up in volume.
3. Probiotics for better gut health
Naturally occurring gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus enhance intestinal barrier functioning and help to suppress pathogens, viruses, yeasts and molds. Friendly gut bacteria strengthen the immune system, improve digestive health and ensure a healthy bacterial balance.
We, at NaturalHealth365, invite you to learn more about the LuvByNature brand – which offers a high-quality blend of probiotics.
4. Add fiber to your diet – daily
Fiber is essential to healthy digestion and intestinal functioning. In addition to keeping you regular, it also supports a healthy gut microbiome and your detoxification pathways.
5. Get physical – but, don’t overdo it
Regular, moderate exercise improves circulation and helps to move toxins out of the body. It also assists with regular bowel movements and oxygenating the blood and cells.
No doubt, walking is the best form of aerobic exercise and offers all the benefits of lower blood pressure, greater heart health and a wonderful sense of reduced stress in your life – at the end of every walk. (20 – 60 minutes / day is best and if you’re new to exercise – increase your efforts slowly, each week)
6. Drink clean, pure water – every day
Drinking plenty of fresh, clean (purified) water – throughout the day – will keep every cell in your body healthy and strong. Staying well hydrated helps to rid the body of toxins and improves cellular performance.
Note: if you or someone you love is feeling constipated – this is a major health tip: drink more water! Generally speaking, drinking half your body weight in ounces of water is a good place to start. For example, if your body weight is 120 pounds – drink about 60 ounces / day. (at first, this will seem impossible – but, eventually, it’s easy)
7. Eat fermented foods
Fermented foods allow you to get key enzymes and probiotics into your diet naturally. Keep in mind, just a small quantity per day can go a long way toward improving your health.
Some examples of healthy fermented foods include: pickled vegetables, raw sauerkraut, miso soup, tempeh, yogurt, kefir and kombucha.
8. Chew your food – 25 times per mouthful or more
This simple step allows you to assist your digestive system in doing its job and improving gut health along the way. The less work your digestive system has to do in terms of breaking food down, the more efficient it can be.
There’s also the added mental and emotional benefits of chewing your food. In fact, here’s a challenge for you, if you chew your food 50 – 100 times (for every mouthful of food) – you will notice a greater sense of calm – like never before.
9. Be warned: Antibiotics can destroy your gut health
Antibiotics have been connected with permanent changes in the microflora of people through generations of families, promoting the transmission of deadly organisms and difficulty in recolonization by beneficial bacteria.
Do not overuse antibiotics; if possible don’t use them at all and instead favor natural ways to treat infection and boost the immune system. (i.e. garlic, oregano oil and vitamin C can help neutralize toxins, unfriendly bacteria and viruses)
Bottom line: Your gut health status is strongly linked to immune system strength; the ability to absorb (or not) nutrients from the food we eat; plus, many other essential bodily functions like, cellular repair and detoxification.
These nine steps – outlined in this special report – will give you a great place to start, if you’re looking to improve the quality of your life. (enjoy!)
Sources for this article include:
NYTimes.com
LifeExtension.com
ChrisKresser.com
Originally posted @ Natural Health 365
