Effective Lifestyle Interventions for Digestive and Gut Health

Use Probiotics

Probiotics like yogurt and Kimchi could improve gut health by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Research studies have suggested that probiotics could promote a healthy gut microbiota, and prevent inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancerous changes in the gut.

 

Avoid High Sugar Foods

An intake of foods containing a high amount of sugar could cause gut dysbiosis leading to an imbalance in the gut microbes. It may also increase the risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes by interfering with the secretion of digestive enzymes.

 

Reduce Mental Stress

Mental stress and sleep deprivation could negatively affect the process of digestion and create an adverse effect on gut health.

Psychological stressors could disrupt the microorganisms in the intestine, thus causing disharmony in gut microbiota. Hence, managing stress and ensuring you get undisturbed sleep of 8 hours every night are essential for improving gut health.

 

Avoid Unnecessary Use of Antibiotics 

Though it may sometimes be necessary to use antibiotics to fight bacterial infections, the overuse of these drugs must be avoided as it could hamper gut flora. It would also reduce the ability of the digestive organs to break down and absorb nutrients in foods. Hence, there is a need to create awareness about the inadvertent use of antibiotics. 

 

Increase Water Intake

Increasing your water intake would ease bowel movements, improve digestion, enhance the secretion of digestive enzymes, and reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestine.