The gastrointestinal tract is a core system of the body, in the same league as the respiratory system and the endocrine system – so why do we pay so little attention to maintaining its optimal health? Caring for your gut health improves your metabolism and more, helping you live better.
What is the Gut?
The gut is not only part of the stomach; it refers to the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. The gut also includes associated organs such as the mouth, the gastrointestinal tract, and the major organs of the digestive system like the intestines and stomach. Gut health is important for a healthy metabolism and for a stronger immune system.
Signs of Gut Problems
The gut is filled with beneficial bacteria and fungi called the “microbiome” that help to break down food and support your immune system. It also helps with digestion and prevents conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. If you have a gut health issue, you might experience digestive issues, food intolerances, trouble sleeping, and skin conditions.
Improving Gut Health
If you have symptoms that point to a gut issue, you don’t have to visit a doctor right away; make a few dietary and lifestyle changes that should support your gut and relieve your stress. However, always consult a medical professional if your gut issue appears to be more serious.
Stress Reduction
Inflammation in the gut is the culprit for a wide range of gastrointestinal issues, and it’s often caused by stress. Stress releases Cytokines that increase inflammation in the genes affecting the gut, but stress is easy to identify and reduce using mindfulness, walking, and more self-care.
Additional Sleep
Circadian rhythms are the natural day and night patterns our body responds to; when these are out of sync, it can lead to problems with gut health and many more issues. To protect the health of your gut and your overall wellbeing, try to improve your sleep hygiene with these handy tips.
Exercise
When it comes to staying healthy and living longer, there is no tried and true method; new york gastroenterology professionals might have lots of answers, but sometimes the core reason is mysterious – that’s certainly true of exercise and the gut; but, it’s clear that it supports gut health.
Healthy Diets
Non-digestible fibers support gut health by generating healthy bacteria called probiotics. Non-digestible fiber is available from plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, pulses, lentils, beans, and peas. Consume a varied diet, and you effortlessly support gut health.
Suitable Hydration
Another excellent way to promote your overall health and wellbeing is to drink plenty of water. The body uses water to hydrate cells and creates new blood; water also supports the development of microbiome and aids digestion. Drink between six and eight glasses per day.
Final Thoughts
We don’t normally consider the health of our gut until something goes wrong, such as irritation, constipation, or diarrhea. But we can support the health of our gut by living a lifestyle that supports the microbiome; this includes eating a healthy balanced diet and living a stress-free life.
GLOBAL HEALTH AGING 
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