Trusting Your Gut

Although the idea of bacteria living within the human body may be alarming to some, the hundreds of bacteria housed within the intestinal tract play an important role in proper digestion and absorption. Maintaining an appropriate balance of specific bacteria ensures the intestines can absorb nutrients being passed through them. Disrupting the balance in either direction leads to decreased nutrient absorption. The delicate balance of the gut microbiota can be disrupted by a variety of factors from stress and diet, to prolonged exposure to antibiotics. Consequences include unintentional weight changes, food sensitivities, and autoimmune disorders triggered by inflammation.

Here are some simple things you can do to maintain gut health:

• Slow down when eating: Chewing your food all the way makes it easier for the body to break down and absorb nutrients. This will alleviate some of the stress placed on gut microbiota.
• Drink water: Staying hydrated helps maintain the mucosal lining of the intestines, which in turn continues to promote healthy bacteria activity. 
• Consumption of Probiotics: Proper bacteria growth and activity can be promoted through oral ingestion of the bacteria itself or of foods which promote their activity. This can be accomplished by supplementing or by consuming foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt and fermented foods. 
• Increase consumption of high fiber foods: Because the body takes longer to break down fiber, it promotes bacterial activity in the gut by fermenting. 

For more information, visit: https://www.healthline.com/health/gut-health#the-takeaway