The trillions of bugs that live in our guts have a huge influence on our overall physiological makeup – they directly affect the brain’s function and can influence our long term health and resistance to disease.
There are many things you can do to create a healthier and more diverse gut to help prevent conditions such as obesity, heart disease and inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases. Here are four simple tips:
- Eat, Drink or Take Probiotics
Probiotics help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They can be consumed in supplement form, or through fermented foods and drinks such as the following:
- Kombucha
- Kefir
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
- Tempeh
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Sourdough Bread
- Don’t Overkill Bacteria
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics, and don’t overuse anti-bacterial gels and creams. These things may wipe out the bad bacteria, but they also wipe out the good bacteria that we need for our gut to function properly.
- Avoid Processed and Sugary Foods
The bad bacteria in the gut thrive from overly-processed and high-sugar foods – they create an imbalance that is associated with inflammation and risk for diabetes. Instead, eat a high fiber diet rich in probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods.
- Manage Stress & Get Enough Sleep
A lack of sleep or a stressful period in our lives can negatively affect our gut health. It is important to treat our physical and mental health well across the board because our bodies different systems work together with one another. Try these simple ways to reduce stress.
If you’re suffering from chronic inflammation or pain, or if you just want recommendations for a healthier lifestyle and disease prevention, contact us today. We focus on individualized care that suits your distinct needs, and we take a customized approach to healing, from initial consultation, through treatment, and beyond.
