Struggling with Digestion? 5 Gut Health Hacks You Need to Try
Signs Your Gut Health Needs Help
Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. But when your gut is out of balance, your body lets you know. Here are a few telltale signs of poor gut health:
- You're not regular
- You feel bloated
- You occasionally experience diarrhea
- Eating makes you anxious because you're unsure how it will affect you
If this sounds like you, don’t worry! There are proven ways to improve your gut health and get back on track. Here are five science-backed strategies to optimize your digestive health and support a thriving microbiome.
1. Avoid Fad Diets
Trendy diets often promise fast results, but they come at a cost. Many of these diets eliminate entire food groups, restricting essential nutrients that your gut bacteria rely on to thrive.
Studies show that diet changes can rapidly shift your gut microbiome, sometimes leading to an imbalance that favors unwanted bacteria over beneficial strains. Instead of restrictive dieting, focus on a balanced, whole-food-based diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support long-term gut health.
2. Take Daily Walks
Regular physical activity doesn’t just benefit your heart—it’s also great for your gut. Daily walks and moderate exercise can:
- Improve gut motility, helping to promote regular bowel movements
- Reduce bloating and discomfort by supporting healthy digestion
- Enhance gut microbiome diversity, contributing to overall gut resilience
Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking per day to keep your digestive system moving smoothly.
3. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Your gut and sleep are more connected than you might think. Studies suggest that microbiome diversity is positively correlated with sleep efficiency and total sleep time (source). In other words, the better you sleep, the healthier your gut.
To optimize your sleep for gut health:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule (even on weekends)
- Avoid screens before bed to reduce blue light exposure
- Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment
4. Increase Your Fiber Intake
Did you know that 95% of Americans don’t get enough fiber? (source). Fiber is essential for gut health because it:
- Feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helping them flourish
- Promotes regularity and prevents straining during bowel movements
- Supports overall digestive comfort by regulating transit time
If you're experiencing infrequent or incomplete bowel movements, it may be a sign you need more fiber. Aim for at least 25-38 grams of fiber per day from sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
5. Take a Clinically Studied Probiotic
Not all probiotics are created equal, and one clinically studied strain stands out—Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745®. This unique probiotic yeast works differently than traditional bacterial probiotics by:
✔ Promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria
✔ Flushing out unwanted bacteria that can cause imbalance
✔ Helping restore and maintain gut balance, even during digestive challenges*
Only Florastor contains Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, making it a trusted choice for gut and immune health.
FAQs About Gut Health
Q: What are the first signs of poor gut health?
A: Common signs include bloating, irregular bowel movements, food sensitivities, and fatigue.
Q: How long does it take to improve gut health?
A: With consistent lifestyle changes, gut health can start improving within a few weeks.
Q: Can probiotics help with gut health?
A: Yes! Clinically studied probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 can help restore and maintain gut balance.*
Support Your Gut Health Today
Your gut health plays a vital role in how you feel every day. By avoiding fad diets, staying active, getting quality sleep, increasing fiber intake, and taking a trusted probiotic, you can support a balanced and thriving microbiome.