The ‘Gut Health’ Buzz

Posted on Jul 12, 2022

‘Gut Health’ is a trending phrase in the healthcare industry. All healthcare professionals, nutrition experts, and wellness practitioners are candidly speaking about the importance of having a healthy digestive system. Ever wondered why this ‘gut’ feeling is creating a buzz?

The gut is not just one organ, it is a series of multiple organs that form the digestive system. The GI tract starts with the mouth and ends with the anus, which digests and processes the food we eat, into energy needed for the body functions. Our gut microbiome or tiny live bacteria, invisible to the naked eye, is present in the colon, which helps break down food and maintain our immune system along with regulating feel-good hormones that are primarily stored in our gut. The more diverse our gut microbiota, the better our digestive health! Studies reveal the food we eat directly influences our gut flora. In addition, our lifestyle choices also impact our digestion and overall health. The positive side to this is that our diet and lifestyle have the capacity to impact our gut in a better way. A healthy diet that is nutrient-dense, adequate sleep, and regular exercise are beneficial for a healthy gut.  

If you want to have a healthy gut, here are top three recommendations for you:

Eat a Balanced Diet

Make sure you include fiber-rich foods in your diet. Fiber helps to add bulk to the stools and also is beneficial to avoid constipation. A variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are rich sources of fiber. 

Include Fermented Food in Diet

Curd, yogurt, pickles, and the most beloved dosa batter made from fermented rice are common in Indian households. Recent favorites such as kombucha and sauerkraut are also gaining popularity in the food industry. 

Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for your gut health. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep, 30 mins of daily physical activity, and 1 hour of digital detox daily. Staying away from gadgets an hour before bedtime ensures good quality of sleep.