Poor Gut Health drags you down physically and emotionally. I had heartburn only when pregnant thankfully. Gas, bloating and constipation have all blighted my life at one point or another. My son also had gut issues which were very challenging to get diagnosed. Shifts in stomach acid, gut immunity and gastrointestinal flora can all play havoc with your digestive system. As I get older, I have made a promise to look after myself better. So here are 5 ways to improve gut health that are on my agenda. It’s all about taking a holistic approach and not just thinking it is about diet although diet is of course important. Diet and gut health You need plenty of fibre in your diet. That means eating lots of fruit and vegetables. I find variety helps me ensure that I actually do that. You don’t have to stick to the limited fruit and vegetables you experienced as a child. Be brave and try something new and you might find a new favourite food. My friend swears by kefir and other fermented floods such as pickled ginger and sauerkraut. In fact, most of the ladies in my slimming group sing the praises of sauerkraut. Sleeping is vital It may not be obvious but getting a good night’s rest works wonders for gut health. Lack of sleep is linked to obesity. We lead increasingly busy lives and need those forty winks every night. Aim for 8 hours in fact and you will feel the benefits both physically and emotionally. Exercise for gut health It can be the last thing you feel like doing when you are feeling unwell. Use the benefits of Vitamin D to drag yourself out for a good walk at least. Think about the exercise that might suit you best. Do you work better in a social setting or would you prefer to work out alone in the privacy of your own home? Try something new and you might find yourself losing weight or at least maintaining a healthy body weight. The brain-gut connection We now know there is a huge link between what is going on in our brain and what happens to our gut. I think I have known this for years. If I have a family argument, I almost immediately have gut issues. When my marriage broke down, I felt physical pain in my tummy. Anxiety, stress and depression are not friends to your gut. Try to relax and use tools like meditation to help you do so. There are also fantastic apps that you can use to manage all three of these enemies to gut health. What tips do you have for improving your gut health?        

The post 5 Ways to improve gut health appeared first on Woman on thin ice.