What is Gut Health?

“Gut health” describes the function and balance of bacteria of the many parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gut health is achieved when there is a balance of good and bad bacteria and yeast in your digestive system. In fact, your gut contains 80% of your immune system as well as the majority of your body's serotonin.

Diarrhea, constipation, and loose stools should not be present in your daily bowel movements. Other signs of a healthy gut include the absence of rectal symptoms like hemorrhoids and abdominal symptoms like gas, bloating, and pain.

Five ways to improve your gut health:

• Stay hydrated

  Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is an excellent way to regulate digestion.

• High fiber diet

  Consume more whole grains, nuts, vegetables, beans, and fresh fruits.

• Add probiotics to your diet.

  Probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.

• Eat mindfully and manage your stress

  Being mindful of what you eat can aid digestion, make you feel fuller with less food, and help you make better food choices in the future. Stress causes an increase in gut motility and fluid secretion.

• Exercise regularly

  According to recent research, exercise can increase the number of beneficial microbial species, diversify the microflora, and improve the development of commensal bacteria.