Our gut is the centre of our immune system and one of the most critical parts of the human body. It's responsible for much more than just digestion—about 80% of our serotonin is produced in our gut! This means it directly impacts our mood, energy levels, and hormone balance, all while ensuring nutrients are absorbed properly¹.

However, over time, our daily habits can seriously harm our gut health and bacterial diversity. Poor food choices, lack of sleep and a sedentary lifestyle are just some of the factors that can throw our gut off balance.

In this article, we'll explore how lifestyle affects gut health and the habits that may be doing more harm than good.

Why is Gut Bacteria so important?

Gut bacteria play a vital role in human health. They provide essential nutrients, help digest cellulose, and promote processes like angiogenesis and enteric nerve function, which keep us relaxed during digestion¹.

Healthy gut bacteria are also key for our mood, digestive system, and energy levels. They affect how we absorb food, influence our cravings, and even impact our decision-making and psychological well-being¹.

4 Lifestyle Habits Harming Your Gut Health

1. Not Getting Enough Sleep or Poor Quality Sleep

We need at least 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep to support our gut bacteria and maintain energy levels. Poor sleep can make us crave processed, sugary foods, which further harm both our gut and sleep cycle.
 
Signs of poor sleep quality include waking up frequently at night, feeling tired despite getting enough hours, headaches, and a bad mood⁵.

To maintain good sleep for gut health, practice good sleep hygiene: regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a consistent sleep routine³.

2. Poor Diet

A diet high in processed foods can prevent our microbiome from flourishing. Such foods are typically loaded with saturated fats, refined sugars, and lack essential nutrients⁵. Over time, this weakens our immunity and disrupts the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

Processed foods can wreak havoc on our gut health, leading to a poor bacterial profile that may compromise our overall well-being.

3. Chronic Stress

Chronic stress depletes our healthy gut bacteria and weakens our immune system, which is why we often fall ill after long periods of stress. The body’s response to stress can be highly damaging to gut health.

To manage stress and support your gut, try yoga, Pilates, meditation, breathwork, reading, or regular exercise⁶.

4. Lack of Exercise

Lack of exercise not only reduces energy levels but also negatively affects your microbiome, which can lead to poor mood and reduced gut health¹. Exercise boosts endorphins, improves mental well-being, and promotes healthy bacteria in the gut¹.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, mixing cardio, resistance training, and mobility exercises for optimal results.

How to Look After Your Gut

1. Get Quality Sleep

2. Move Your Body!

Exercise is a natural way to boost gut health. When we move, our gut bacteria thrive and multiply, keeping our immune system strong⁴. Incorporate a mix of resistance training, mobility, and cardio into your routine to reap the benefits.

3. Load Up on Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics are essential for a healthy gut. Probiotics help build strong gut bacteria, while prebiotics feed them, allowing them to multiply.
Examples of prebiotics include high-fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, pulses, and healthy fats. Probiotics can be found in yogurt, fermented foods, or supplements.

If you're looking for a probiotic supplement, we recommend our products Gut Care and Immune Boost. They provide 8.5 billion+ colony-forming units [CFUs] to ensure your gut stays balanced with good bacteria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy gut isn't just about what you eat—your lifestyle habits play a crucial role too. By practicing good habits like getting quality sleep, exercising regularly, and fueling your body with the right nutrients, you’ll not only support your gut health but also improve your physical and mental well-being.

Living well starts with your gut—so take care of it, and you’ll feel the benefits throughout your entire body.

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