Tips and Ideas on How to Improve Your Gut Health

You’ve probably heard of the term ‘gut health’ and you’re also aware that ‘excellent’ gut health is desired. But what exactly does that mean? It includes maintaining an appropriate balance of microscopic bacteria and other germs in your digestive tract. 

In most cases, these bacteria are helpful. They assist with digestion, produce vitamins and protect you from harmful germs. However, when the balance is upset, it can lead to digestive problems like bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

How Do You Improve Your Gut Health?

Restoring the balance in your digestive system is the key to good gut health. As much we’re learning about the microbiome (the community of microbes that live in our bodies), there are still many things we don’t know. But, there are certain things you can do to nudge the balance in a positive direction.    

Start Off with the Right Medicine

In cases where the digestive system is out of balance, your doctor may recommend treatment with relevant medication that can help to restore the normal bacterial environment. Perhaps the most common sign of an upset tummy is abdominal pain. If you’re experiencing this on a regular basis, you should start taking stomach pain medicine to help you cope with the discomfort.     

Most stomach medicines work by either neutralising belly acid or coating the gut lining to protect it from acids. The former helps to relieve heartburn while the latter can be helpful for stomach ulcers. Both can be bought over the counter but, if you’re unsure which one is right for you, it’s always best to check with your doctor first.  

Antacids in particular are a temporary and efficient way to reduce heartburn. Serving as an immediate buffer against stomach acids, they provide quick relief. However, as they do not treat the underlying cause of heartburn, they are intended for short-term use only. If you find yourself relying on antacids more than a couple of times a week, it’s time to see your doctor as this could be a sign of a more serious problem.

Coating agents, on the other hand, work to create a physical barrier between stomach acids and the gut lining. This can be helpful for those with ulcers as it gives the ulcer time to heal. Coating agents can also be used to treat heartburn as they provide longer-lasting relief.

Either way, stomach pain medicine can be a valuable tool in the quest for gut health. With recent advances in medicine, there’s now a vast array of different forms of treatment available, so there’s sure to be one that’s right for you.

Consider Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are quite similar to the ones that are naturally found in the digestive tract. They’re often called ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria because they help keep your digestive system healthy. Probiotics are available in supplement form and can be found in some foods, such as yogurt. They can also be taken in the form of a capsule or powder.  

There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics may help to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, gas and stomach pain. Probiotics may also help to reduce the severity of some other digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

They’re particularly useful in restoring the balance of gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. This is because antibiotics can kill both good and bad bacteria, leading to an imbalance. Probiotics can help to replenish the levels of good bacteria in your gut, thereby restoring balance and improving gut health.

Stick to Regular Exercise

Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it’s also beneficial for your gut health. This is because exercise helps to move food through your digestive system and prevents constipation. In addition, exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the gut.

There are many different ways to exercise, so you’re sure to find one that suits you. If you’re not used to exercising, start off small and build your way up from there. Even a small amount of exercise each day is better than doing nothing at all.

If you’re struggling to find the motivation to exercise, try setting yourself some achievable goals. For instance, commit to going for a brisk walk every day or signing up for a dance class once a week. Once you start seeing and feeling the benefits of exercise, you’re likely to find it easier to stick with it in the long run.

Monitor Your Stress Levels

Stress can have a major impact on gut health. In fact, it can trigger the release of hormones that can slow down digestion and lead to problems such as constipation, diarrhea and stomach pain. In addition, stress can also worsen inflammation throughout the body, including in the gut.

There are many different ways to manage stress. Some people find that relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, help them to feel calmer. Others find that regular exercise is a good way to relieve stress.

Either way, it’s important to find an activity or activities that work for you and make sure to schedule some time for them in your week. This will help you to keep stress levels under control and maintain a healthy gut.