How to improve your gut health

If you thought your gut was only useful when making a tough decision, then think again – as it also plays a huge role in your health.  The gut helps digest food, absorb nutrients and sustain overall health and wellbeing. 

“A healthy gut is crucial for a healthy immune system,” says qualified health practitioner and PT Jason Briggs from ShoeHero. “Between 70 – 80 per cent of immune responses are found within the gut.”  

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If it isn’t working properly, you may feel fatigued, foggy or bloated; suffer from low immune function, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies or even weight loss struggles. An imbalanced gut may also be the cause of that acne you’ve suffered from for years.

If you’re looking to improve any of these conditions – or just want to make sure your gut is in tip-top condition – implement a few of these into your health routine and see how your wellbeing improves. 

Eat clean

“If you are already obtaining enough sleep but experiencing low energy levels, commit to eating nutritious diet,” says  Jason. If you want to improve your gut health then opt for a wholefoods diet – that is, one that is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. Keep processed, sugary foods for treats, special occasions or in low quantities. It’s all about balance and everything in moderation.

Cut back on gluten

The gut struggles to digest the protein found in gluten. If you find that you feel uncomfortable, bloated or a little funny after eating bread, pasta or other foods containing gluten, it might be best to cut back. Although these foods are delicious, the less your gut has to work, the better!

Take a probiotic 

The gut is full of good bacteria, which helps to digest food, produce nutrients and fight off diseases. However, if your gut health is not what it should be, your tummy could do with a high quality probiotic. It will replenish the good bacteria in the gut while fighting off the bad. We recommend Swisse Ultiboost Inner Balance 35 Billion.

Wake up with apple cider vinegar

Start your morning by drinking a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon and a spoonful of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar stimulates the hydrochloric acid in your stomach for optimal digestion. It can also reduce cravings, lower cholesterol levels and help you lose weight. For more information on the superfood – read this article. We guarantee you’ll want to run out and grab yourself a bottle.

Chew your food

This may seem pretty obvious, but chewing your food properly really does make the world of difference for your digestion. Chew each mouthful around 15 times, until it turns into mush in your mouth. This eases the pressure on your digestive system, and means you are far less likely to suffer from an upset tummy. 

Limit your water intake…

But only around meal times! Try to lay off the water – or any other liquids, for the matter – around 20 minutes before and after meal times. Water dilutes the gastric juices that help break down food, making digestion all the more harder.

This article has been updated since its original publication. 

Do you suffer from an unhealthy gut? Which tips will you implement into your health routine?