It’s that time of the year where everybody seems intent on improving their life in one way or another before December comes around again. Whether it’s about saving more money or learning a new skill, the idea of New Year’s Resolutions is usually geared towards improving one’s health. That said, improving your gut health is one of the ways in which you can effectively better your health.
With that in mind, here are 7 New Year’s resolutions that can help you improve your gut health in the coming year.
7 New Year’s Resolutions For Gut Health
1. The more diverse your diet, the better
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There are trillions of different bacteria in your gut health and each one needs different nutrients to help keep your gut healthy and you can help achieve this by eating a more diverse diet in 2022.
In a 2020 interview, Professor Kevin Whelan, Professor of Dietetics and Head of Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London, United Kingdom, revealed that a diverse diet that includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and beans can help to maintain microbiota diversity, which in turn can improve gut health.
2. Eat more fermented foods
Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and miso contain good bacteria that can be beneficial for your gut health.
In fact, a 2021 study from Stanford University found that after a period of 10-weeks, participants who ate a diet high in fermented foods experienced increased microbiome diversity and improved immune responses – which is something I’m sure we all appreciate post-2020.
3. Cut back on processed foods
This was definitely on your resolution list, regardless of if you’re concerned about your gut health. That’s because as good as they can taste, processed foods are one of the worst things that you can do to your health and longevity.
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In regards to your gut health, research has found that food additives, which are found in abundance in processed foods, can negatively affect the gut microbiome, which in turn can compromise your overall health.
4. Manage your stress
The mind-body connection is anything but a myth, which means that if you wish to maintain optimal gut health, then you’ll need to keep your mind stress-free.
Taking the necessary stress relieving steps – which include meditation, journaling, and even gardening– won’t only help ease any tension that you’re feeling, but it’ll also be great for your gut health.
5. Stay active
Starting (and attempting to stick to) an exercise routine is a common New Year’s resolution, and that’s because people understand how great exercise is for the mind, body and gut.
6. Take a daily probiotic
When it comes to supplements, a daily probiotic in your routine is a great and effective way to improve your gut health. What’s more, probiotics can also improve other areas of your health, so if you really want to stay healthy in 2022, then you may want to purchase these supplements.
7. Get screened
Colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with about 154 000 new cases being reported every year. It’s taken many lives, such as that of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman.
This is why it’s important to get into the habit of regular screening. Doing so won’t only help offer a glimpse into your gut health, but it could also save your life.
Takeaway
New year’s resolutions can be easy to make, but also daunting to maintain. However, it’s important not to get sidetracked on proving that you can accomplish all of your new year’s goals. Instead, focus on doing your best to maintain the health of your gut. Doing so will ensure that you have a healthy 2022.
References
Kamm, M. A. (2020) Processed food affects the gut microbiota: The revolution has started. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 35: 6– 7. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.14976.
Wastyk, H. C., Fragiadakis, G. K., Perelman, D., Dahan, D., et al. (2021). Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Cell, 184(16), 4137–4153.e14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.019
