Check Your Gut
What Is Your Gut Microbiome and Why Does It Matter?
Your gut microbiome is made up of tiny living things like bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in your digestive system. These tiny organisms help break down the food you eat, keep your immune system strong, and fight off bad germs that can make you sick. Having a healthy balance of these organisms is important for feeling good and staying healthy.
Does Your Gut Need Help?
Here are some signs your gut may be out of balance:
- Stomach problems: gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or constipation
- Too much sugar: eating lots of junk food can lower the good bacteria in your gut
- Unplanned weight changes (losing or gaining without trying)
- Trouble sleeping or feeling tired all the time
- Skin issues like rashes or breakouts
- Autoimmune problems: when your body attacks itself by mistake
- Food sensitivity: your body can’t handle certain foods well
Ways to Help Your Gut Feel Better
- Try to stress less
- Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins like vitamin D and minerals like magnesium
- Get plenty of sleep every night
- Eat healthy foods and cut back on sugar and junk food
- Eat slowly so your body can digest better
- Drink enough water
- Think about taking a prebiotic or probiotic (they help grow good gut bacteria)
- Eat more fiber: Good sources are nuts, seeds, berries, avocados, beans, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and apples
- Pay attention to how food makes you feel and stop eating things that upset your stomach
In the end, scientists are still learning more about the gut microbiome and how it affects our health. But for now, eating a healthy diet with lots of whole foods is one of the best ways to keep your digestive system working well.
