Explore the Most Popular Gut Health Habits
Boost Your Gut Health with These Popular Habits
The importance of our gut health has never been so sharply in focus – and with good reason. 'Gut health isn’t just about digestion,' explains Nichola Ludlam-Raine, Specialist Registered Dietitian and Activia ambassador. 'The gut and the brain are constantly communicating, and the gut is influential in our immunity, weight, overall health, and even mood. So, taking care of our gut is crucial for our well-being.'
1. Start Your Day Right
An essential aspect of gut health is having a diverse range of gut microbes, such as bacteria and yeast. A simple method to enhance diversity is through fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, or kefir. Nichola shares her go-to breakfast: kefir topped with fruit or mixed into overnight oats.
2. Embrace the FFM Mantra
FFM stands for Fibre, Fluids, and Movement – a memorable mantra that Nichola adheres to for maintaining gut health. Aim for a target of 30g of fibre daily, and increase intake gradually to avoid discomfort. Essential for gut function, staying hydrated also helps. Nichola tastes her hydration based on urine color; pale indicates hydration, while dark suggests the need for more fluids.
3. Incorporate Exercise Snacking
Movement is vital. Nichola advocates for exercise snacking, doing short workouts regularly instead of long gym sessions, which boosts gut motility. Regular, brief walks or movements during work hours keep the digestion flowing.
4. Mindful Eating
Eating when distracted can hinder digestion, leading to discomfort. Nichola promotes mindful eating and suggests following the 80/20 rule: consuming 80% nourishing foods and allowing 20% for indulgences like dark chocolate.
5. Manage Stress Effectively
Stress negatively impacts the gut microbiome. Nichola's top tips for reducing stress include spending time in nature and practicing box breathing, which can ground you and promote relaxation. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to support your gut's health.
Integrating Activia Kefir into your daily routine is an easy, delicious step towards gut wellness. For more details, visit the Activia website.
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