Gut Health
October 25, 2022
Writer: Lily Lev
Editor: Lynn Sabieddine
We’ve all been bombarded with various TikTok videos and Instagram ads promoting “gut health supplements” or “ways to improve your gut health”. But, what is gut health, and why has it become a social media trend?
The gut microbiome inside of our bodies contains trillions of microbes (little “bugs”), both good and bad, scattered throughout the body, with most residing in the large intestine. Ideally, the good and bad microbes coexist in the microbiome, but oftentimes, there is a disturbance in this balance from disease or lifestyle that causes dysbiosis: an imbalance of organisms in the gut.
How We Know if Our Gut is Out of Whack
What signs does our body give us that tell us we should focus on healing our gut? Common signs of an unhealthy gut include inflammation, fatigue, headaches, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and excess stress.
Healing the Gut
While social media will try to sell you hundreds of different supplements to take that will *magically* cure your gut, there are simple lifestyle changes that are free, safe, and effective to improve your gut health.
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for a source of nutrients and fiber. Fiber is the main source of fuel for the healthy bacteria living in your gut.
Incorporate probiotic-rich foods into your diet such as yogurt, tempeh, and sauerkraut to increase the diversity of good bacteria in your gut.
Limit stress! The brain and gut are interconnected, so when our mind is out of balance, so is our gut. Incorporate mindfulness practices or journaling daily to reduce anxiety.
Find movement that you enjoy. Going on walks or moving your body in a way that feels good accelerates digestion and increases blood circulation, both of which are perfect conditions for symbiotic microbiomes!
Image: Ava Edwards
