A healthy gut is an essential part of whole-body health. The good news is there are so many actions we can take to boost the health of our gut and aid digestion. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Make sure you get enough fiber
You may think you already know about how fiber is good for your gut health. However, what most people understand are the benefits of insoluble fiber, or as it’s also known the fiber that your body can’t digest. Indeed, this type of fiber is essential for digestive health because it helps to keep things moving in your bowel, and stops constipation. Great sources of insoluble fiber include vegetables, whole grains, and bran and should be a part of your everyday diet.
The need for soluble fiber on the other hand is understood by way fewer people. Soluble fiber can help in cases of stomach upset or diarrhea because it absorbs water and slows down the passage of waste in the bowel, rather than speeding it up. Get plenty of soluble fiber from legumes, nuts, and oats for a healthy digestive tract.
Zinc
Another nutrient that is crucial to eat if you want to maintain a healthy digestive system is Zinc. This is because the lack of zinc has been proven to lead to gastrointestinal problems like leaky gut. With that in mind, making sure your diet is high in zinc is essential for gut health. This means eating foods like sunflower seeds, oysters, and beef. Although, make sure the beef is lean as too much animal fat can also contribute to digestive discomfort.
Get any recurring issues checked out
To maintain a healthy gut it’s also critical that you get any problems you are having with your digestive systems checked out by a specialist. Fortunately, you will find plenty of experienced gastro doctors in your local area that can help you with everything from a check-up to the treatment of issues such as Heartburn and GERD, Gallstones, and Colorectal Cancer.
Of course, it’s worth noting that most digestive tract systems are not as serious as the ones listed above. Indeed, usually the right treatment including a change in diet will be enough to resolve the issues, but it’s always best to get these things checked out, just in case.
Take pro and prebiotics
Probiotics are yeasts and bacteria that are naturally found in the digestive system. By taking these you will enhance your system by adding to your gut flora and ensuring that you can digest and process food and waste effectively. The knock-on effect of which is a better immune system, better absorption of nutrients, and a lower risk of IBS.