A healthy gut is the foundation of overall well-being. The gastrointestinal system, often referred to as the gut, is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and mental health. It’s an incredible system that we’re coming to learn is far more important to our overall health than we once believed. At International Pharmacy, we recognise the importance of a healthy gut for a healthy life, so here we look at how to heal your gut.

When the balance of the microorganisms in your gut is disrupted, it can lead to digestive issues, weakened immunity, and even affect mental clarity. Yes, your gut holds a lot of power! Fortunately, there are natural ways to heal and restore gut health, with prebiotics and probiotics playing a significant role in this process.

The gut is populated by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes collectively known as the gut microbiota. Collected together, these microorganisms actually weigh more than your brain! This complex ecosystem interacts with our bodies in numerous ways, aiding in digestion, nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, and even influencing mood and cognitive function. Indeed, you could say that your gut acts in many ways as a second brain, controlling and affecting much of what else goes on in your body.

The part that probiotics play in how to heal your gut

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria help restore balance to the gut microbiota and improve gut health. Probiotics work by crowding out harmful bacteria, stimulating the production of antimicrobial substances, and enhancing the integrity of the intestinal lining.

You can get probiotics in your diet through eating fermented foods such as kefir, live yoghurt, kombucha or miso. You can also take probiotic supplements and this is particularly recommended if you’ve taken antibiotics to combat an infection.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers like inulin that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. Without prebiotics, probiotics don’t have what they need to get cracking. They act as nourishment for probiotics, helping them thrive and multiply. By selectively stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics contribute to a balanced gut microbiota and improved overall gut health.

You can take prebiotics as capsules, tablets and powders to ensure the maximum benefit to any probiotics you take.

As well as incorporating prebiotics and probiotics into your routine, several natural approaches can promote gut healing and overall digestive wellness:

Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, provides essential nutrients for gut health. Fiber-rich foods, such as legumes, whole grains, and vegetables, support healthy digestion and provide nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. Aim for variety and natural foods.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can disrupt gut health and contribute to digestive issues. Incorporate stress-reducing practices into your routine, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in things you find stress-relieving.

Avoid trigger foods: Identify and eliminate foods that may irritate your gut, such as processed foods, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, gluten, and dairy, if you have known sensitivities. If you’re not sure what triggers your gut, try keeping a diary.

Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain proper digestion and supports the movement of waste through the intestines. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily. Make it part of your daily habits.

Get sufficient sleep: Quality sleep is essential for overall health, including gut health. Your gut needs to rest too! Aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night to promote optimal digestion and gut healing. There’s growing evidence that fasting also ensures your gut gets the rest it needs for a healthy microbiome.

Prioritizing gut health is crucial for overall well-being, as a balanced gut microbiota contributes to proper digestion, a robust immune system, and even mental clarity. Prebiotics and probiotics play significant roles in restoring and maintaining a healthy gut. While incorporating prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods into your diet is beneficial, supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics can offer targeted support. At International Pharmacy, we sell prebiotics that can bolster and strengthen your gut health.

This article is intended for information purposes only and isn’t tailored medical or supplement advice. Always check with your doctor before starting new supplements.