Mainhenance all healthy eating. Chewing your maintenajce thoroughly and eating your meals Gut health maintenance slowly may lower your chances of developing obesity and Weight gain tracking Gut health maintenance also helping you make better food choices. For example, in one small studypeople with obesity followed a strict vegetarian diet that eliminated all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, for 1 month. Debunking the myths around Magnesium Myth no 1 You can only take Magnesium at night Many people

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The diversity of food on your plate can help lead to Mental clarity practices more diverse microbiome, which is an indicator of a healthy gut microbiome. While heealth all foods have had some kind of processingit hfalth best to eat foods that are minimally processed.

These foods retain their nutritional value and do not usually have added sugarGuyunhealthy fats or additives such as emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners, all of which may impact your gut health. Unprocessed foods include fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, unflavoured dairyeggs, seafood, poultry and lean red meat.

Ultra-processed foods include deli meats such as ham and salami, many breakfast cereals, ready-made meals, sweet desserts and many packaged snacks such as chips. Water is the best fluid to drink and provides benefits to gut health.

Water assists with the breakdown of food, so that your body can absorb nutrients. Water also assists with softening stools, maintwnance prevent constipation.

Chewing your food thoroughly and eating slowly may reduce digestive discomfort such as gas, miantenance and bloating. Fermented foods External Link have undergone a process in which their sugars are broken down by yeast and bacteria.

While research into fermented foods is limited, the bacteria found in some fermented foods have been linked with digestive health and other benefits. Breastfeeding helps an infant develop a healthy gut microbiome, which Gjt help protect against certain health conditions later in life.

Regular cardiovascular exercise such as walking and cycling can stimulate the muscles of the gut to move digestive contents through healtu body. Stress can impact your gut health. Manage your stress levels by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, socialising, using relaxation techniques and eating well.

Not getting enough or sufficient quality of sleep may impact your gut microbiome and may contribute to digestive discomfort. It is best to improve your gut health through food and other lifestyle factors rather than supplements. There are many nutrients in wholefoods that cannot be packaged into a single supplement.

Nutrients in foods also interact with each other in a helpful way and this cannot be replicated in a pill. Many people are interested in taking probiotic supplements. In some cases, there is research to support taking a probiotic, however just like medications, you need to take a specific probiotic for the health condition you are trying to manage.

While antibiotics can be very important and useful, they can also have a negative impact on your gut microbiome. Antibiotics aim to kill the harmful bacteria when you have an infection or illness, but in doing so they can remove some of the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Research into gut health is relatively new and understanding of this complex topic is developing. Be careful of non-evidence-based information about gut health. Focusing on eating healthily with the tips suggested on this page is the best evidence we have so far.

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Skip to main content. Healthy eating. Home Healthy eating. Gut health. Hdalth for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is gut health and gut microbiome? Why gut health is important Signs of an unhealthy gut Mqintenance to improve your gut health Gut health and diet Gut health and breastfeeding Gut health and exercise Gut health and stress Gut health and sleep Gut health and probiotic supplements Gut health and antibiotics Myths about gut health Where to get help.

The health of your gut can impact both your physical and mental health. It is understood that there are links between gut health and: the immune system mental health autoimmune diseases endocrine disorders — such as type 2 diabetes gastrointestinal disorders — such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel mainteance cardiovascular disease cancer sleep digestion.

Signs of an unhealthy gut Your gut healyh can be affected by: stress too little sleep lack of physical activity eating too many ultra-processed foods smoking and drinking alcohol taking antibiotics. How to improve your gut health You may be able to improve your gut health through lifestyle and diet changes.

Gut health and diet Your gut bacteria are influenced by what you eat. Eat a high fibre diet Fibre is important for our gut health for many reasons.

Foods that are high in fibre include: vegetables beans and legumes fruit bread and cereals nuts and seeds. They are found in some types of: vegetables — for example leek, onion and garlic legumes — for example chickpeas, beans and lentils wholegrains — for example rye bread, barley and oats nuts — for example pistachios, cashews and almonds.

Aim to eat at least 30 different types of plant-based foods a week. Limit ultra-processed foods Eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible to support your gut health. Drink water Water is the best maintenanxe to drink and provides benefits to gut health.

Drinking plenty of water may also be linked to increased diversity of bacteria in the gut. Eat foods rich in polyphenols Polyphenols are plant compounds that may beneficially impact our gut microbiome.

Foods rich in polyphenols include: herbs and spices colourful fruits and vegetables nuts and seeds green and black tea coffee cocoa and dark chocolate. Eat slowly Chewing your food thoroughly and eating slowly may reduce digestive discomfort such as gas, pain and bloating.

Eat fermented foods Fermented foods External Link have undergone a process in which their sugars are broken down by yeast and bacteria. Fermented foods include: yoghurt kimchi sauerkraut kefir kombucha tempeh. Gut health and breastfeeding Breastfeeding helps an infant develop a healthy gut microbiome, which may help protect against certain health conditions later in life.

Gut health and exercise Regular cardiovascular exercise such as walking and cycling can stimulate the muscles of the gut to move digestive maimtenance through the body.

Exercise can also positively affect the gut microbiome. Gut health and stress Stress can impact your gut health. What you eat, your amintenance health and your mental health are all linked. Gut health and sleep Not getting enough or sufficient quality of sleep may impact your gut microbiome and may contribute to digestive discomfort.

Gut health and probiotic supplements It is best to improve your gut health through food and other lifestyle factors rather than supplements. Gut health and antibiotics While antibiotics can be very important and useful, they can also have a negative impact on your gut microbiome.

Myths about gut health There maintdnance no miracle cures maintemance good gut health.

: Gut health maintenance

Steps You Can Take For Improved Gut Health	Vegetables and fruits also contain healthy fiber. Other good prebiotic sources include garlic, bananas, onions, asparagus, and seaweed. Over all, the goal should be to make sure your diet contains a good balance of probiotics and prebiotics. If you feed your gut well, it may repay you in better health. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in? What is a tongue-tie? What parents need to know. Which migraine medications are most helpful? How well do you score on brain health? Shining light on night blindness. Can watching sports be bad for your health? Beyond the usual suspects for healthy resolutions. April 6, Nourish the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract with a mix of probiotics and prebiotics. Some good prebiotic options are beans and whole grains. Share This Page Share this page to Facebook Share this page to Twitter Share this page via Email. Print This Page Click to Print. Related Content. Staying Healthy. Digestive Health Nutrition. Not getting enough or sufficient quality of sleep may have serious impacts on your gut health, which can in turn contribute to more sleep issues. Try to prioritize getting at least 7—8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Your doctor may be able to help if you have trouble sleeping. Chewing your food thoroughly and eating your meals more slowly may lower your chances of developing obesity and diabetes while also helping you make better food choices. Drinking plenty of water may be linked to increased diversity of bacteria in the gut, though the source of the water also matters. One study also found that people who drank more water had less of a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal infections. Staying hydrated benefits your health overall and can help prevent constipation. It may also be a simple way to promote a healthy gut. While research is ongoing, adding a prebiotic or probiotic supplement to your diet may help improve your gut health. People who have a severe illness or a weakened immune system should not take probiotics. Also, not all probiotic supplements are high quality or beneficial for your health. You can try eliminating common trigger foods to see if your symptoms improve. Reducing the amount of processed, sugary, and high fat foods that you eat may lead to better gut health. Eating a diet high in fiber likely contributes to a healthy gut microbiome as well. You may also positively impact your gut by eating foods high in micronutrients called polyphenols present in:. Diet and gut health appear to be very closely linked. Avoiding processed foods, high fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars is likely important for maintaining a healthy microbiome, as these foods may promote the growth of damaging bacteria. You can eat certain foods that actively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to your overall health. These superfoods for gut health include:. Research indicates that high fiber foods have a positive impact on gut health. These foods include:. According to a study in rodents, garlic may increase gut microbiome diversity and improve gut health. A small study of 49 people similarly found that aged garlic extract increased diversity and levels of beneficial bacteria. Still, more research in humans should be done. Fermented foods are great dietary sources of probiotics. Examples include:. Research suggests that consuming these foods may improve the gut microbiome. Collagen-rich foods such as bone broth and salmon skin may be beneficial for both overall health and gut health. A study indicated that supplements with collagen may benefit the gut microbiome in mice, though further research is needed. To help your body make collagen, try eating more:. Each of these elements varies in different people, influencing their gut microbiomes in different ways. This variation results in individuals having unique gut microbiomes. According to one small study of 16 people, fasting was linked to lower levels of a bacteria that promotes colorectal cancer. Research in animals also shows the benefits of fasting. A study in fruit flies found that intermittent fasting appeared to improve gut health and increase lifespan. Another study in mice indicated that fasting promoted the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reduced inflammation in the intestines. Some studies have found no impact of probiotics on the gut microbiome. Still, other research suggests that probiotics may significantly affect the makeup of the gut microbiome and positively impact other areas of health, like immunity. You can improve your gut health by taking steps to improve your overall health. This can include eating more fiber-rich foods, eating fewer ultra-processed foods, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress levels. Some signs of unbalanced gut bacteria can include upset stomach, unintentional weight changes, and fatigue. The human gut is complex. While research is ongoing, it seems clear that the gut microbiome impacts whole-body health. A healthy gut contributes to:. Lifestyle and dietary changes may positively affect not only your gut health but your overall health. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. MindBodyGreen provides third-party-tested supplements made with high quality ingredients. Our testers and dietitians discuss whether MindBodyGreen…. Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy. You may get all you need from the food you eat. Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart. Here are 12…. Vitamins are what your body needs to function and stay healthy. It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but supplements…. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting and healthy bones. It can be found in leafy greens, vegetable oils, and broccoli. L-citrulline is an amino acid made naturally in your body. It may also be taken as a supplement to help boost exercise performance, lower blood…. Who needs to take vitamin C supplements, and how much is enough? The answer may depend on your age and overall health. Dietary supplements are products such as vitamins, herbs, and minerals that may help provide nutrients and health benefits. They may have risks and…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic?
12 Foods to Improve Your Gut Health Overnight	Studies show that diets rich in nuts and seeds may help encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Plus, regularly eating fiber-rich nuts and seeds may help reduce your risk of certain digestive diseases like colon cancer. Whole grains are a good source of soluble fiber. Oats contain a type of soluble fiber called beta glucan, which is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine. The fermentation process produces beneficial SCFAs, which promote digestive health and encourage a balanced gut. Studies show that consuming oats may help stimulate SCFA production and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species in healthy people and in people with digestive conditions like celiac disease. If you have an unhealthy gut, you might experience a variety of symptoms, such as:. In addition to digestive symptoms, if you have an unhealthy gut, it can affect your entire body and lead to symptoms such as migraines , mood changes, and a compromised immune system. Additionally, because your digestive system is responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, people with gut issues often experience nutrient deficiencies, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue and low mood. Having an unhealthy gut can impact health in a variety of ways. Your gut microbiota influences your entire body, including your immune system and brain, so prioritizing gut health is essential for keeping yourself healthy and reducing your risk of several diseases. Poor gut health can increase your risk of digestive conditions like colon cancer, IBS , and IBD. Plus, dysbiosis and gut inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Although some causes for poor gut health are out of your control, you can work on improving your gut health by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and cutting back on added sugar. Symptoms like constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating can be a sign of serious health conditions, such as colon cancer and uterine cancer , which is why persistent digestive symptoms should never be ignored. Your healthcare provider can perform testing to rule out underlying health conditions and recommend treatments such as dietary modification, supplements like probiotics , or medications if appropriate. Your gut health impacts your entire body, from your brain to your immune system. Fortunately, there are many ways to support gut health, such as following a nutritious, fiber-rich diet and maintaining a healthy body weight. If you think you may have compromised gut health or are experiencing digestive symptoms like persistent gas and constipation , make an appointment with a trusted healthcare provider. They can rule out underlying health issues and recommend ways to improve your gut health, such as transitioning to a more nutritious diet and cutting back on your alcohol intake. Rinninella E, Cintoni M, Raoul P, et al. Food components and dietary habits: keys for a healthy gut microbiota composition. doi: Zhang YJ, Li S, Gan RY, Zhou T, Xu DP, Li HB. Impacts of gut bacteria on human health and diseases. Int J Mol Sci. Bolte LA, Vich Vila A, Imhann F, et al. Long-term dietary patterns are associated with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory features of the gut microbiome. Olvera-Rosales LB, Cruz-Guerrero AE, Ramírez-Moreno E, et al. Impact of the gut microbiota balance on the health—disease relationship: the importance of consuming probiotics and prebiotics. Akbar A, Shreenath AP. High fiber diet. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; Caetano MAF, Castelucci P. Role of short chain fatty acids in gut health and possible therapeutic approaches in inflammatory bowel diseases. World J Clin Cases. Dietary fibre modulates the gut microbiota. Satokari R. High intake of sugar and the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory gut bacteria. Cuevas-Sierra A, Milagro FI, Aranaz P, Martínez JA, Riezu-Boj JI. Gut microbiota differences according to ultra-processed food consumption in a spanish population. Dahiya D, Nigam PS. Antibiotic-therapy-induced gut dysbiosis affecting gut microbiota—brain axis and cognition: restoration by intake of probiotics and synbiotics. Bruno G, Zaccari P, Rocco G, et al. Proton pump inhibitors and dysbiosis: Current knowledge and aspects to be clarified. World J Gastroenterol. Nagpal R, Newman TM, Wang S, Jain S, Lovato JF, Yadav H. Obesity-linked gut microbiome dysbiosis associated with derangements in gut permeability and intestinal cellular homeostasis independent of diet. J Diabetes Res. Liu BN, Liu XT, Liang ZH, Wang JH. Gut microbiota in obesity. Gui X, Yang Z, Li MD. Effect of cigarette smoke on gut microbiota: state of knowledge. Front Physiol. Day AW, Kumamoto CA. Examples of gut healing foods that contain probiotics include kefir, pu erh tea, yoghurt, sauerkraut and kimchi. You may also want to try probiotic supplements. Our Healthy Chef Gut Collagen and Everyday Greens feature probiotics to help nourish the gut. Prebiotics can be thought of as the fuel for probiotics to flourish, so that the microbiome has a balance of the right strains. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources of prebiotics, and some good sources include citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, pear and leafy greens. Our Organic Superfood is bursting with prebiotics and has been made with the goodness of 10 x organic fruits and vegetables with a great berry taste. If you suffer from constipation or slow motility, Studies from the European Journal of Pharmacology report that green tea is beneficial in reducing gastrointestinal disorders. The caffeine in green tea as well as Matcha Green Tea can also act as a mild laxative to get the bowels moving in the morning. Removing gluten, alcohol, processed foods and refined sugar reduces overall inflammation and stress on the body, which helps with gastrointestinal healing. Processed foods have limited nutrient density and likely contain added fillers, preservatives, artificial sweeteners or flavours which can exacerbate digestive symptoms and inflammation. Kiwi Fruit is an effective remedy for constipation and is extremely soothing and healing for the gastrointestinal tract. According to Monash University, approximately 1 in 7 people suffer from constipation. A 4-week study showed that eating 2 kiwi fruit per day over 4 weeks was an effective treatment to increase bowel motility. Kiwi fruit is high in soluble fibre and vitamin C as well as being low FODMAP. I love making my low FODMAP smoothie using 2 kiwi fruit, water, lime juice and a spoonful of Healthy Chef Marine Collagen and Healthy Chef Everyday Greens. Collagen is rich in glycine and glutamine which are 2 amino acids that are beneficial for promoting digestion and supporting a healthy gut barrier. Studies have found that in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, serum concentrations of collagen are decreased. Green vegetables are rich in living phytonutrients and are highly alkalising, assisting your body to cleanse, heal and nourish in a perfect environment. They can also assist the body to detoxify. Enjoy Healthy Chef Everyday Greens daily, a superfood blend containing cold-pressed greens, probiotics and L-Glutamine to support digestive health. Regular exercise helps to make you happy, lowers body fat and cholesterol, boosts your immune system, increases your energy, helps to stimulate gut function and assist motility. Accessed April 4, Formato M, Piccolella S, Zidorn C, et al. UHPLC-ESI-Q q TOF analysis and in vitro rumen fermentation for exploiting Fagus sylvatica leaf in ruminant diet. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Table A, Daily Nutritional Goals, Ages 2 and Older. Wastyk HC, Fragiadakis GK, Perelman D, et al. Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Microbiota and sleep: awakening the gut feeling. Trends Mol Med. National Sleep Foundation. Sleep by the Numbers: Interesting Sleep Facts and Statistics That We Can Learn From. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Health Preventive Health. By Karen Asp is an award-winning journalist and author specializing in fitness, nutrition, health, animals, and travel. Karen Asp, MA, CPT, VLCE. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines. Medically reviewed by Vivek Cherian, MD. Vivek Cherian, MD is an internal medicine physician, on-camera medical expert, and medical consultant who works to help brands like Real Simple remain abreast of current events as they relate to medicine and promote their audience's health and wellness. Learn More. Fact checked by Tusitala , for two years. 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How to maintain a healthy gut microbiome in	Was this helpful? No problem. A study found that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains with a lower intake of red meat, processed foods and meats, and dairy increased the amount of total bacteria in the gut and supported beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. What is the microbiome diet? Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that guar and xantham gum are emulsifiers.
8 Everyday Ways to Improve Your Gut Health Naturally	Newsletter Sign Up. GGut microbiota and Gut health maintenance system interactions. Medically Reviewed By Jerlyn Maintenande, MS MPA RDN LD CLT. Williams shares, "The good bacteria, or probiotics, need food to live on. Go to bed early — at least 30 minutes before you normally do on a weekday — for quality sleep. Topics Nutrition.

Find Gut health maintenance and resources for Metabolism boosting foods for weight loss and returning maintenanxe. Learn about clinical Gut health maintenance at MD Anderson and heallth our database for open studies. The Lyda Gut health maintenance Cancer Prevention Center hhealth cancer risk assessment, screening gealth diagnostic services. Your gift will help support our mission to end cancer and make a difference in the lives of our patients. Our personalized portal helps you refer your patients and communicate with their MD Anderson care team. As part of our mission to eliminate cancer, MD Anderson researchers conduct hundreds of clinical trials to test new treatments for both common and rare cancers. Choose from 12 allied health programs at School of Health Professions.

Gut health maintenance -

Artichokes are an excellent source of inulin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. Additionally, artichokes provide other benefits , such as improving bone health, protecting your brain and supporting your blood pressure.

Dragon fruit isn't just a beautiful, brightly colored fruit but also provides health benefits , including gut-related ones. Dragon fruit is rich in fiber and is one of the best fruits to help relieve constipation.

Try including dragon fruit in a morning smoothie for a beautiful, delicious, gut-healthy treat. Garlic works overtime for gut health as a prebiotic, providing food for the good bacteria in your gut.

It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that help support your immune system. There are tons of ways you can add garlic to your diet, from delicious melting potatoes to cozy casseroles.

High in prebiotic fiber, mushrooms also contain several compounds that may have medicinal properties. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods indicates that consuming mushrooms may positively influence your blood sugar and help prevent gastrointestinal diseases and even some types of cancer.

Improving your gut health can begin with one of your favorite breakfasts. Oats are one of the best prebiotic foods to quickly impact your gut's health. Oats provide a balanced source of complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for gut health. Like with probiotic yogurt, you'll want to limit oatmeal high in added sugars.

Instead, look for plain instant oatmeal or use old-fashioned or steel-cut oats to make your own oatmeal and add fresh or dried fruit for added sweetness.

Beans are often touted for their nutritional value. They are a plant-based source of protein and provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Because of this nutrient mix, consuming beans, such as soybeans , may be one of the best ways to improve gut health with prebiotics.

Further, research published in Molecules noted that soybeans are one of the well-known sources of prebiotics, positively impacting your gut health.

Knowing the foods to limit may be just as important as knowing which foods to include when it comes to your gut health. Ultra-processed foods, artificial foods, added sugar, preservatives and additives can wreak havoc on your gut.

Williams shares that both mental and physical stress are detrimental to your gut health, and that it's important to focus on managing stress in your life. Further, studies, such as a review published in Frontiers in Nutrition , indicate that focusing on a healthy lifestyle by including moderate-intensity exercise and managing stress are also essential in promoting gut health.

To truly improve your gut health overnight and positively impact your overall health, focus on eating a diet rich in probiotic and prebiotic foods daily. Building consistent, daily practices to include these probiotic and prebiotic foods will make the most significant impact over time.

Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance.

Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. If you have an unhealthy gut, you might experience a variety of symptoms, such as:. In addition to digestive symptoms, if you have an unhealthy gut, it can affect your entire body and lead to symptoms such as migraines , mood changes, and a compromised immune system.

Additionally, because your digestive system is responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, people with gut issues often experience nutrient deficiencies, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue and low mood.

Having an unhealthy gut can impact health in a variety of ways. Your gut microbiota influences your entire body, including your immune system and brain, so prioritizing gut health is essential for keeping yourself healthy and reducing your risk of several diseases.

Poor gut health can increase your risk of digestive conditions like colon cancer, IBS , and IBD. Plus, dysbiosis and gut inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Although some causes for poor gut health are out of your control, you can work on improving your gut health by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and cutting back on added sugar.

Symptoms like constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating can be a sign of serious health conditions, such as colon cancer and uterine cancer , which is why persistent digestive symptoms should never be ignored. Your healthcare provider can perform testing to rule out underlying health conditions and recommend treatments such as dietary modification, supplements like probiotics , or medications if appropriate.

Your gut health impacts your entire body, from your brain to your immune system. Fortunately, there are many ways to support gut health, such as following a nutritious, fiber-rich diet and maintaining a healthy body weight. If you think you may have compromised gut health or are experiencing digestive symptoms like persistent gas and constipation , make an appointment with a trusted healthcare provider.

They can rule out underlying health issues and recommend ways to improve your gut health, such as transitioning to a more nutritious diet and cutting back on your alcohol intake. Rinninella E, Cintoni M, Raoul P, et al. Food components and dietary habits: keys for a healthy gut microbiota composition.

doi: Zhang YJ, Li S, Gan RY, Zhou T, Xu DP, Li HB. Impacts of gut bacteria on human health and diseases. Int J Mol Sci. Bolte LA, Vich Vila A, Imhann F, et al. Long-term dietary patterns are associated with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory features of the gut microbiome.

Olvera-Rosales LB, Cruz-Guerrero AE, Ramírez-Moreno E, et al. Impact of the gut microbiota balance on the health—disease relationship: the importance of consuming probiotics and prebiotics. Akbar A, Shreenath AP. High fiber diet. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; Caetano MAF, Castelucci P.

Role of short chain fatty acids in gut health and possible therapeutic approaches in inflammatory bowel diseases. World J Clin Cases.

Dietary fibre modulates the gut microbiota. Satokari R. High intake of sugar and the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory gut bacteria. Cuevas-Sierra A, Milagro FI, Aranaz P, Martínez JA, Riezu-Boj JI. Gut microbiota differences according to ultra-processed food consumption in a spanish population.

Dahiya D, Nigam PS. Antibiotic-therapy-induced gut dysbiosis affecting gut microbiota—brain axis and cognition: restoration by intake of probiotics and synbiotics. Bruno G, Zaccari P, Rocco G, et al.

Proton pump inhibitors and dysbiosis: Current knowledge and aspects to be clarified. World J Gastroenterol. Nagpal R, Newman TM, Wang S, Jain S, Lovato JF, Yadav H. Obesity-linked gut microbiome dysbiosis associated with derangements in gut permeability and intestinal cellular homeostasis independent of diet.

J Diabetes Res. Liu BN, Liu XT, Liang ZH, Wang JH. Gut microbiota in obesity. Gui X, Yang Z, Li MD. Effect of cigarette smoke on gut microbiota: state of knowledge. Front Physiol. Day AW, Kumamoto CA. Gut microbiome dysbiosis in alcoholism: consequences for health and recovery. Front Cell Infect Microbiol.

Dimidi E, Cox SR, Rossi M, Whelan K. Fermented foods: definitions and characteristics, impact on the gut microbiota and effects on gastrointestinal health and disease. Frankenfeld CL, Hullar MAJ, Maskarinec G, et al. The gut microbiome is associated with circulating dietary biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake in a multiethnic cohort.

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.

Taking a small step toward eating healthier can be as simple as eating seasonally. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are tastier and have more nutrients.

Constipation, weight gain, diarrhea, bloating and gas are signs that something is off. Some people have bad breath or skin irritation.

You may notice these symptoms affecting your quality of life. The breakdown of nutrients continues in the stomach, and most of your nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.

When should you see a doctor about gut issues? If your bowel habits have been abnormal for a few weeks to a month, talk to your doctor. Patients undergoing cancer treatment should always tell their care team when they notice bowel changes or are experiencing rapid weight loss or gain.

Healthy bacteria already exist in your gut. But you have control over creating the environment for it to grow. Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling My Chart.

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Citrus bioflavonoids and blood sugar regulation gut houses Gutt of Gut health maintenance, collectively known as gut microbiota. Gut health maintenance factors, including maintenane diet, body weight, stress, hralth medication use, influence your gut bacteria. Good gut health, including a balanced gut environment and Gut health maintenance gut lining, maintwnance essential for overall health as your gut impacts your entire body as well as your mood, sleep quality, and more. If you have an unhealthy gut, it may lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea and chronic bloating, as well as other symptoms and health conditions. Your gut contains an array of microorganisms. While some gut microorganisms are known to have anti-inflammatory effects, others can promote inflammation and harm gut health when their numbers get too high. Several factors, some of which are out of your control, contribute to dysbiosis.