Many of us understand the power of the gut: we talk about our “gut instincts” when referring to our intuition. And, if you’ve ever felt “hangry,” then you know the power that your gut holds in affecting your mood.
Scientists consider the gut the “second brain,” and it hosts over 40,000 species of bacteria. And our gut health and overall well-being rely heavily on the health and balance of these bacteria.
Harmful bacteria can dominate your gut microbiome and wreak havoc on your body if you’re not careful. But, there are ways you can improve the health of your gut no matter its current state.
Below we’ve outlined some top tips to keep your second brain operating at optimal levels.
What Is the Gut Microbiome?
The gut microbiome, also commonly referred to as gut flora, is the name given to the population of microbes residing inside our intestines. It also concerns the overall quality of their living condition (aka our mucosal lining.)
We each have trillions of bacteria inside of us, and the balance of the microorganisms in our digestive system plays a significant role in creating a state of “good” or “bad” health.
The balance of this flora keeps us alive by performing and aiding in several necessary functions, including:
- Digestion
- Immunity
- Nutrient creation
- DNA interface
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Consume Gut Health Foods
Eating whole foods is one of the pillars of a healthy gut microbiome. Fresh vegetables, nuts, fruits, and grains contain the fiber and nutrients needed to keep our systems running properly.
Foods such as whole grains and some nuts act as prebiotic fibers. These non-digestible carbs have been shown to increase the number and variety of beneficial bacteria inhabiting our gut by encouraging them to multiply.
One way to ensure you’re getting enough of these beneficial plant nutrients in your diet is with a vegan protein powder. Vegan protein is packed with superfoods, containing many gut-healthy nutrients in one convenient form.
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Supplementing Your Gut Health
Introducing specific gut health supplements containing beneficial bacteria into your diet is one sound method of ensuring that the good bacteria out populate the bad.
The term “probiotic” refers to these good bacteria and yeast that help keep us healthy.
There are many ways to source probiotic nutrients, from yogurts to fermented foods. Some of the best supplements for gut health include natural sources such as:
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Miso
- Fermented vegetables
You can also find probiotic supplements in many man-made products at your local health food store. These can come in the form of capsules, powders, gummies, chews, and even drinks.
However, choosing the best probiotic for gut health is essential as not all supplements provide the same benefits. They may contain different strains and levels of bacteria, some more beneficial than others. It also helps women to take supplements that will help aid digestion and maintain gut health. There are effective feminine probiotic capsules that promote this. Aside from the above benefits, they promote balanced vaginal pH levels, prevent urinary tract infections, and improve overall vaginal health.
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Limit Your Intake of Processed Sugars
There is much research to support how processed sugars negatively affect our overall health, primarily when it comes to the gut microbiome.
Sugar – particularly of the highly-refined sort – helps harmful bacteria to flourish. And sugars can be hidden in nearly anything you see on grocery store shelves these days, so be sure to read ingredient labels thoroughly.
But, not all sugars are created equally. Consuming sugars in moderation from sources like fresh fruit, which includes loads of nutrients and fiber, can improve your gut health.
Harness the Power of Probiotics
Gut Health is important to your overall well-being. Now that you know how to improve gut health; take your well-being into your own hands today by supplementing your diet with probiotics – both your brains will thank you.
Looking for more great tips like this? Be sure to check out the “Healthy Foods” section of our blog for the latest tips in diet and health.
