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Gut instincts: Our top tips for great gut health

What is gut health and why it matters

 Gut health is front and centre when it comes to personal wellbeing. Previously, we didn’t give our tummy much attention, but we’ve come to realise that it’s the key to unlocking optimal health and wellness. So, you’ve probably heard the term gut health and know that “good” gut health is, well, good. But what does it mean to have a healthy gut? It means having the right balance of teeny-tiny bacteria and other microbes in your digestive tract. We absorb nutrients from the food we eat through our digestive system, so it makes sense that we look after it as best we can.

In addition to digesting food and absorbing nutrients, the gut is in constant communication with the brain, influencing a number of factors, including immune activity. Did you know that over 70% of our immune cells are found in the gut?

A healthy gut means:

  • A stronger immune system,
  • better and more regulated moods, and
  • effective digestion.

Here are our top tips for a healthy, happy gut.

Diet and Food

It won’t come as a big surprise that certain foods and healthy lifestyle habits can improve your gut health naturally. We need to eat fibre-rich and probiotic-packed foods.

Let’s focus on the ‘F’ word – FIBRE!

Fibre is a plant-based nutrient that reduces the risk of metabolic diseases by stimulating the growth of good bacteria in the stomach. Where do you get most of it from? Fennel, sweet potatoes, spinach, beetroot and carrots are brimming with natural gut-enhancing fibre. Whole grains are also a rich source of fibre. Another ‘F’ word – fermented foods! Think yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha. These foods boost the gut biome, calm gastrointestinal conditions and help with any inflammation issues.

Consider vitamins for digestion

As the gut health revolution continues to spread and become a way of life, bloated stomach remedies have increased in popularity. The question is: which one is best? VitaminMe has carefully combined some of Mother Nature’s most well-loved gut ingredients: Debloating + Digestion to get your gut into gear. Our formula combines fennel, milk thistle and turmeric that:

  • Encourages a healthy digestive system
  • Alleviates bloating
  • Keeps you regular

Exercise – often!

Movement is medicine. Sit-ups don’t just do wonders for the abs, but for the microbiome too. Studies have found that exercise promotes an increase in the varied diversity of healthy bacteria in the gut. Longer workouts and high-intensity aerobic training can contribute to gut bacteria diversity and function. Time to dust off those dumbbells.

Limit alcohol intake

We all know that drinking alcohol regularly, and in increased amounts is not good for us. Hey, we’re not saying you can’t raise a glass to celebrate a milestone with friends over the weekend – but try finding a balance. Repeated alcohol consumption is linked to gastritis and an inflamed gut. Inflammation of this kind can lead to heartburn, ulcers and infections.

Reduce the stress

We can consider our gut as our second brain, and stress is not just felt in the mind, it’s also felt in other parts of our body. Think about the feeling of ‘butterflies’ when you’re excited or even anxious. There is still a lot to discover, but we do know that mental health and the gut are intimately connected. Anxiety and depression are affected by the gut, and vice versa. IBS symptoms will become exacerbated and your gut biome can become imbalanced.

Some of these tips may seem like an (almost) impossible feat – but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Do one, or even three, to start. VitaminMe cares about your health, and we’re just a chat away – ready to help and guide you on the journey to optimal wellness. Beat the bloat and feel lighter and ready to take on life!

Listen to your gut, always.