Gut health is quickly becoming one of the most important conversations in health, fitness, and anti-aging. We are beginning to understand that gut health impacts all aspects of our bodies’ systems including mood, immunity, inflammation, and more.
From allergies to autoimmune diseases, conditions associated with your GI tract are on the rise.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could hack into your gut microbial system to create optimal balance? It may not be as difficult as you think. Below are some of our favorite gut health hacks to help you take control of your health.
1). Eat Prebiotic Foods + Fibers
Prebiotics act like fertilizer for healthy gut flora growth and they help the gut microbiome balance itself.
What’s more, eating prebiotic foods can also reduce bloating and improve nutrient absorption.
Here are some great foods to incorporate as prebiotics into your diet:
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Banana (green)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cruciferous veggies
- Dark chocolate
- Aloe vera
2) Be Careful with Antibiotics
Antibiotics are frequently used to kill off bacteria that are attacking the body. While this is an effective way to get rid of harmful infections, antibiotics can also wipe out healthy communities of good bacteria in your GI tract. Look for alternatives to antibiotics when possible, and speak with your doctor if you have any health concerns.
3) Take Quality Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that when taken in sufficient quantities, provide a beneficial effect to the host. In other words, probiotics refer to “good bacteria” that can help improve your gut balance.
Taking high-quality probiotics can help balance your gut, support your immune system, improve digestion, and boost energy levels.
Here are some of our favorite sources of high-quality probiotics:
- Kimchi
- Kombucha tea
- Dark chocolate (75% or more)
- Natto miso
- Reishi mushrooms
4) Be Careful with Antacids
Antacids are used to neutralize stomach acid, but what many people don’t realize is that these types of medication can drastically change the gut microbiome. If you have heartburn or any other type of digestive problems, look to food-based alternatives first and consult your doctor before taking antacids.
5) Detox
When the body is overloaded with toxins it can impact gut flora.
A great way to help your body detox is through a variety of herbs, teas, and spices that have been used for centuries to cleanse impurities from the body. While this step isn’t always necessary, it can be a good idea to incorporate it into your routine.
The best ways to detox are:
- Warm water with lemon
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Cilantro
- Dandelion root tea
As you can see the top 5 gut health hacks aren’t as difficult as you’d expect! We hope that this information helps you work towards better gut health this year.