New Year's Resolutions for a Healthier Gut
The beginning of a new year always comes with resolutions for improved health and happiness. Since overall wellness starts on the inside, achieving better intestinal and gut health should be on the top of your list this New Year.
Here are some simple steps to achieve this goal:
Manage Your Meals
Based on published data, the common saying, “you are what you eat” is a true fact. There is clear evidence that dietary choices can alter bacterial diversity in the human gut microbiota.
Studies have shown that eating a diverse diet of healthy, nutritious foods is one of the best ways to nurture intestinal microbiome and keep the digestive system well-balanced.
Unfortunately, many of the meals we consume are high in fat and sugar at the expense of fiber, protein and other essential key nutrients. This year, resolve to combat any bad eating habits by expanding and focusing your diet to include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
Get Moving
Exercising doesn’t mean you have to be in the gym every day, but a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a whole range of digestive disorders, such as constipation, bloating, and stomach aches.
Regular exercise can go a long way to increase blood flow and oxygen circulation throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal system. Walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga can be great ways to release tension, increase intestinal activity, and ease abdominal pain.
Manage Stress
Daily stress has been found to be the cause of many digestive flare-ups. It can trigger and worsen stomach pains. This New Year, vow to take steps to reduce the anxiety in your life.
Researchers have consistently discovered that psychological stress can induce a response that negatively alters the balance of bacteria in your gut.
Do your best to eliminate triggers for worry. As difficult as it may seem, put away your electronic devices every day, even for a short period of time. There is evidence that people feel less stressed when they checked emails only three times a day, instead of constantly glancing at their Smartphones.
Focus on keeping a positive outlook, practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, improving your time management skills, and seeking support from loved ones.
Stressful life events have been associated with common chronic disorders of the digestive system, so it is essential that you find ways to manage these situations.
Daily Probiotics
Adding a probiotic supplement to your daily routine results in significant digestive and whole-body health benefits. Introducing beneficial microorganisms into your digestive tract with probiotic supplements have been shown to help improve the microbiotic composition of the gut.
Stay Healthy from the Inside Out
If you’re looking to make resolutions for a healthier new year, consider a “gut makeover.” Maintaining healthy bacteria and other microbes living in your intestinal tract, collectively known as the gut microbiome, is a smart and positive long-term investment in your health.
