Not eating enough fibre
It’s important to have a balanced diet that includes fibre-rich foods, which are essential for optimum gut health. Whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and fruits are packed with fibre and can help you hit the recommended daily fibre intake of 25-30g. Start your day right by choosing a fibre-rich cereal for breakfast and incorporate more plant-based foods into your meals.
Not drinking enough water
Staying hydrated is a simple way to promote a healthy gut and drinking at least 2 litres of water a day will have a beneficial effect on your gut motility and regularity. Keep a filled water bottle on hand as it will not only remind you to drink frequently it’s also a great way to measure how much water you are drinking. If you find it unpleasant to drink water, adding wedges of citrus fruits like lemon, lime or orange to your water will give it some flavour!
Not eating enough whole foods
To improve your gut health, try to focus on incorporating whole foods into your diet these will positively impact your gut. Add blueberries and yoghurt to a fibre-filled cereal for brekkie or bake your own healthy snack bars using nuts, fruits and honey, which are much healthier and cost-effective.
Not exercising enough
Regular exercise is very important to gut health and studies show that exercising can increase the production of beneficial gut microbes. Weekly or daily exercise is a key component of maintaining a healthy environment for the vital gut flora that maintains your digestive system.
Feeling stressed
Ongoing stress can negatively affect the trillions of healthy bacteria in your gut, which in turn can have a long-term effect on your entire body. Studies have shown high stress levels can impact the blood flow to your gut and can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to sickness, exhaustion, and nutritional deficiencies. Try to take time out to meditate, walk the dog and slow down.
Jacqueline has teamed up with Kellogg’s on their latest Fibre Fit campaign. Find out more, here.
The Carousel would like to thank Jacqueline Alwill for her article.
