Improve your Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome is a large community of viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and fungi that live in our gut. Although doctors have just scratched the surface when it comes to the gut microbiome, it’s clear that this organ plays a big role in the quality of our health.

For example, if your gut microbiome isn’t healthy, it will negatively influence your appetite, metabolism, and immune system. Similarly, when your gut microbiome is healthy and in balance, it will decrease your risk of allergies and disease. “Healthy” gut microbiome involves creating AND keeping the balance of different bacteria and microorganisms in your microbiome.

So, the question is how do you improve your gut microbiome to sync your body, mind, and microbiome? You’ll find the answers below.

Ready learn more about microbiome?

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7 Tips to Having a Healthier Gut

Check out our top seven tips that will help you improve diversity in your microbiome.

1.Lead a Healthier Lifestyle

Do you sleep well? Do you work out on a regular basis? What about eating snacks, and avoiding processed foods?  Hmmm, now that you think about it, you might not lead such a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps it’s high time to do something about it?

Sleeping 7-8 hours each night is vital for your well-being. (1) And so is exercising. Not only does working out help you look better, but it also helps you feel better by decreasing stress levels and increasing serotonin levels. (2) Perhaps going for that quick walk is starting to seem appealing.

2. Say No to Stress

Another part of leading a healthier lifestyle is managing stress. This isn’t easy in a fast-paced world. But all the tips mentioned above should help you to decrease stress levels. If you need further assistance, try meditation and muscle relaxation. (Finally a great ‘excuse’ to treat yourself with that massage!)

3. Appreciate Nature

Do you know what else contributes to feeling good inside out? Spending time in nature or in the countryside. Your gut microbiome will love it! Embrace everything that nature has to offer! Just leave out insects’ bites – these aren’t so thrilling.

4. Change Your Diet

This one may sound a bit difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Swap processed food packed with sweeteners and God-knows-what-else for finger-licking AND healthy foods. So, how do you improve your gut microbiome with these healthy foods?

You’ll definitely want to add fiber and phytochemicals-rich food to your diet. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Read our article to find out more about this.

Also add fermented foods to your diet. This type of food can greatly help improve your gut microbiome thanks to a myriad of vitamins, minerals and good bacteria.

6. Embrace All The Options Out There 

Compared to people that live in unindustrialized areas, those living in industrialized areas have drastically reduced diversity in the gut microbiome. This can lead to health problems such as allergies and obesity. (3) What’s more, industrialized communities suffer from a much higher rate of disease, including serious ones like cancer.

More often than not, we choose to eat a narrow variety of food, afraid to try something new. And we rely too much on the fast food industry. Plus we eat the same fruits and veggies all year round rather than eating seasonally. Make your diet diverse and healthy. Your gut microbiome will appreciate it.

7. A Little Dirt Never Killed Anybody

Another important tip to take from those living in unindustrialized areas is to loosen up about cleaning. We use too many sterile cleaners that kill good bacteria which decreases diversity in our gut microbiome. Don’t be so afraid of little dust and dirt – they mean you no harm!

A Final Word

These were our top 7 tips on how to improve your gut microbiome. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy and diverse diet, sleep well, meditate, spend time in nature, and learn to manage stress. Spend time with the people you love and do small things that make you happy (and by this, we don’t mean eating fast food or snacks!).

Stay healthy and happy!