Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste. You feel tired more often than not. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.
Eating a plant-based diet that includes fermented foods and fiber from colorful fruits and vegetables, having healthy sleep habits and managing stress levels are other ways to support a healthy gut. If you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle, start easy with small diet changes and build from there.
For most people, the composition of the gut microbiome returns almost completely to baseline in one to two months. But for a few, things may not go back to the way they were for quite a long period of time.
Prebiotic foods (whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans, and artichokes) act as food for healthy gut bacteria. Probiotic foods like yogurt are full of good bacteria already.
An anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, good quality sleep, and probiotics are all strategies to put in place before trying antimicrobials or antibiotics to get rid of bad bacteria.
"Any time you see blood in your stool or have rectal bleeding that is accompanied by changes in your bowel habits or to the color or consistency of your stool, it's critical that you see a gastroenterologist," warns Dr. Glassner.
It's a rich source of antioxidants called polyphenols, which help support your “good” gut bacteria. The acetic acid it contains is also antibacterial and antifungal, which explains why people have used vinegar to clean wounds as far back as the Ancient Greeks.
We recommend staying on the diet for at least 3-4 weeks as it will take about that long to “heal the gut.” Some patients may take up to 3 months to reestablish a normal functioning intestinal mucosa. In my experience, everyone who goes through this process feels better in the end.
One is to increase the diversity of the microflora, which are now often referred to as probiotics, living in your gut. Probiotics are found in a wide range of fermented foods. These include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, pickles, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso and many aged cheeses.
'Plant-based diversity is really important for gut health'
'I call them the Super Six: wholegrains; nuts and seeds; fruit; vegetables; legumes, beans and pulses; and herbs and spices. If you're getting some of each every day, that's enough to maximise gut bacteria and reduce the negative effects of antibiotics.
As part of a balanced diet, eggs contribute to a healthy digestive tract and can be helpful during acute digestive problems. In addition to being packed with nutrients, eggs are usually easy to digest compared to some other high-protein foods, such as meat and legumes.
Avocado. Avocado is a superfood packed with fiber and essential nutrients, such as potassium, which helps promote healthy digestive function. It's also a low-fructose food, so it's less likely to cause gas.
This friendly yellow fruit helps stabilize gut bacteria and fight inflammation. Plus, they're portable, delicious, and cheap. When your gut is out of balance, send bananas to the rescue: They're great at combatting diarrhea and settling upset tummies.
Coffee contains several compounds that act as prebiotics, meaning they help nourish beneficial bacteria in the digestive system by providing them with nutrients necessary for growth and function.
Increase fiber intake through whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Use natural laxatives like herbal teas, aloe vera, and fermented foods. Try a saltwater flush or colonic irrigation under the guidance of a medical professional.
A gut that's not balanced can have trouble absorbing nutrients, regulating blood sugar, signaling that you're full, and storing fat. Lack of diversity in the gut micro-biome can be a precursor to obesity which can lead to even more serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.