Your gut health is essential for maintaining your overall well-being. It can influence everything from your immune system to digestion to even your mental health and energy levels. Your gut microbiome is home to trillions of microorganisms that help digest food, produce essential nutrients, and regulate inflammation in your body. However, poor diet, stress, and other lifestyle factors can disrupt this balance. That can lead to fatigue and chronic health conditions. Denver functional medicine can offer solutions and natural remedies to help that microbiome thrive.

Embrace a Gut-Friendly Diet

One of the easiest ways to manage gut health is through your diet. What you eat directly impacts the diversity and health of your gut microbiome. Choose foods that feed beneficial bacteria while avoiding those that encourage harmful microbes. Probiotics are a great natural way to manage your gut health. Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso. These are rich in beneficial bacterial. 

Fiber-rich foods also support a diverse microbiome. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your meals. Polyphenols found in berries, red wine, green tea, and even dark chocolate will act as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria. It’s also vital to remain hydrated, as water helps the maintain the linings in the gut, which promote a healthier environment for microbes. It’s also important to limit processed foods with additives, artificial sweeteners, and high-sugar foods, as this will reduce inflammation.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress can lead to an imbalance in gut bacteria. Stress-reducing practices can protect your gut. Regular meditation and other mindfulness exercises will reduce cortisol levels, which can negatively impact gut health. Yoga has gentle movements and breathing exercises that can improve digestion while promoting relaxation. Make sure you’re getting adequate sleep. A health sleep routine allows the microbiome to thrive. 

Get Moving and Get Out to Nature

Another simple way to improve overall gut health is through physical activity. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling boost circulation which helps with digestion. Yoga can be helpful in this aspect, as well, since specific yoga poses like twist and gentle forward bends can improve gut motility. Colorado’s climate and easy access to nature make this easy, and getting out in nature can also help. Taking time in green spaces reduces stress hormones and supports a balanced microbiome. Even gardening – due to the exposure to soil bacteria – has been shown to improve gut health. 

Talk to Your DoctorA balanced gut is key to a vibrant and healthy life. There are a number of natural solutions to help promote gut health, and your doctor may have other ways to maintain your gut microbiome. Denver functional medicine can provide a lot of solutions tailored to the individual, optimizing your gut health to keep you healthy and moving. Small, consistent changes can make a huge difference, and your doctor can help get you started with one or two strategies and you can go from there. For more information on how a happy gut can make a healthier you, reach out to the experts at the Center of Functional Medicine today.