Gastrointestinal Recovery

Gastrointestinal Recovery: Tips & Strategies for Healing Your Gut

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can create debilitating physical and mental symptoms that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Luckily, through diet and lifestyle changes, gut health can be improved and many associated symptoms relieved. Here are six tips to help you recover from GI issues and improve the health of your digestive system.

Eat a Healthy & Balanced Diet

One of the key elements of gut health is a healthy and balanced diet. Eating a variety of foods that are high in fiber, nutrients and overall good-for-you nutrients like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help keep your GI system running well. This means eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and lean proteins. Also, make sure to get enough probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha and fermented vegetables.

Increase Your Fiber Intake

Fiber is essential for a healthy GI system, assisting with a range of digestive conditions including constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Aim to get both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. Insoluble fiber helps make stools bulky and softens them. Soluble fiber helps your digestive system break down fats and helps slow down the digestion process to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for gut health. To make sure you’re drinking enough water, try tracking your water intake. Water helps keep waste flowing through your GI tract and encourages regular bowel movements. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to add flavor.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is essential for overall health and can have a positive effect on the gut as well. Regular physical activity helps improve digestion, reduce stress, and even helps good bacteria proliferate in the gut. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day.

Manage Your Stress

Stress can have a major impact on gastrointestinal health. When you’re feeling stressed, the body triggers the release of a hormone called cortisol, which affects digestion and gut motility. To better manage stress and its impact on your GI system, practice yoga, meditation, deep breathing or any other type of relaxation technique.

Reduce Dietary Inflammation

Inflammatory foods such as processed and fried foods, foods high in sugar, alcohol and caffeine can act as triggers for GI issues such as bloating, gas and IBS. To reduce dietary inflammation, avoid these foods as much as possible. Additionally, eat more anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, yogurt, and turmeric.

Gut health is an important part of overall wellness. By making lifestyle changes and eating a healthy and balanced diet, you can improve your gastrointestinal health and improve symptoms of digestive issues.