Folk wisdom tells us that ‘gut feelings are always right’. This age-old saying just goes to show how crucial a role this organ plays in our health.
The gut is a sensory organ and our primary environmental interface. More formally known as the gastrointestinal tract, the gut is responsible for all the functions in our digestive system. Most especially, it is instrumental in the absorption of nutrients from food and the expulsion of the resulting waste.
An imbalance in this microbiome can lead to dysbiosis, or an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the gut environment. The consequences of dysbiosis have been proven to be a driver of some common chronic diseases, including colon cancer, obesity, and irritable bowel system. It is imperative then that a healthy gut terrain be maintained at all costs. This starts with a healthful diet.
Firstly, one must be aware of the food that could potentially harm your digestive tract. A diet high in fats and sugar increase toxin reabsorption, eliminating about 50% of good bacteria in the gut system. Consuming alcohol and caffeine, grilled food and oily products, as well as smoking should be done in moderation, if not avoided.
Rather, load up on fiber-rich food which feeds the good bacteria and flourishes the immune system. Examples of these are like wheat, bran, corn, fruits like oranges and pineapples, leafy greens, berries, and a variety of dried herbs and spices,. These plant-based diets are always an excellent source of nutrients, benefiting not only the gastrointestinal tract but the rest of your body as well.
To add, fermented products such as kim chi (pickled vegetables) and kombucha (sweetened black or green tea) are both probiotic and give your meals a refreshing taste. Resistant starches from roasted potatoes, white beans, lentils, green bananas, bananas, and cashew nuts all contribute in maintaining a healthy balance in the gut flora so make sure to snack on these every now and then.
Aside from eating right, a simple but effective tip is to get plenty of exercise. Set aside 15 to 30 minutes of each day to sweat it out and keep that heart pumping. A good run, paired with some stretching and a little meditation can do wonders for the body and soul. It reduces stress levels, releases happy hormones, and promotes healthy blood circulation. These benefits also impact the gut, boosting it to its prime capacity and function.