Our gut is almost as important to our body as the brain, yet it remains the body’s most overlooked and the least appreciated organ. It is now a well known fact that gut health is the foundation of good health and it’s no surprise that one of the best ways to improve overall well-being and immunity begins here.

Have you ever heard  the term “good bacteria”? It refers to the millions of bacteria that are found in your gastrointestinal tract; the scientific term for which is “microbiome”. While your body hosts about 20,000 human genes, it is also home to more than a hundred trillion bacteria.Yes, you read that right. These microbes reside in your gut and play a critical role in metabolic as well as neurological functions. The advancements in science reveal that there is a perpetual relationship between the gut microbiome and  immunity. Now more than ever, when the Covid pandemic is sending shock-waves throughout the world, focussing on health and immunity becomes imperative. It goes without saying that nurturing your gut ecosystem is crucial to amp up your overall immune response and the critical functions of your body. 

The topic “gut health” has been the hot topic of discussion across social media and medical blogs lately. But do we really understand what the hype is all about? Why is it known as the gateway to good health? How can we achieve an overall healthy gut? Come lets dig deeper into this.

GUT FROM THE INSIDE OUT

There is a thin barrier known as intestinal lining which is responsible for keeping the microbes in their preferred environment – the gut. It controls what gets into the bloodstream and prevents the microbes from travelling to other parts of the body. Unhealthy gut lining can allow the microbes to lose their way and penetrate the areas where they don’t belong. This may trigger inflammatory reactions that can cause problems within the digestive tract and beyond. That’s why a healthy gut line has a vital role in strengthening our immune system.

A healthy gut not only improves your immunity but can also boost your mood, improve stress levels and support cognitive functions. Remember, your gut is your second brain!

HOW TO ACHIEVE A HEALTHY GUT?

Well, in so many ways! Let’s start with a few simple ones – 

1. Probiotics

Probiotics help to keep your gut in perfect shape. Now you must be wondering what they are ! The answer is – they are nothing but live friendly bacteria and yeasts good for your health; especially the digestive system. They are not as hard to find as you think, listed below are some well known probiotic rich foods –

• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Kimchi
• Pickles
• Buttermilk

Alternatively, you can simply pop in supplements to get beneficial bacteria for this purpose. Vogue Wellness has the best probiotic supplements to strengthen your gut.

2. Prebiotics

The importance of probiotics is now known to us all, but what about prebiotics? Although they sound similar, yet they have somewhat different roles to play in your health. In simplest terms, prebiotics are the food for probiotics. They are nothing but special plant fibers that promote the growth of healthy bacteria. They are the type of fiber that humans cannot digest, but the gut bacteria can. 

You are probably already eating prebiotic rich food without even knowing it. They are present in many foods that we mostly consume on a daily basis viz.

• Banana
• Onion
• Garlic
• Apple
• Asparagus
• Oats 

The intake of balanced amounts of both pro and prebiotics is therefore necessary to keep your gut healthy. If you are in search of the best probiotic supplements, Vogue Wellness has a comprehensive solution for you – BioZip capsules which help you take charge of your gut health. These capsules are a powerful combination of both to support you on your journey to perfect health.

However, as is the case with all supplements, it is obligatory to consult a healthcare professional before you start to take any of these. 

3. Exercise

If you follow a sedentary lifestyle and need a strong reason to exercise, be it known – Getting the heart pumping and the sweat pouring is good for your gut health…..

In a study at the University of Illinois, researchers have found that exercising for just six weeks could have a significant impact on the gut microbiome. “These are the first studies to show that exercise can have an effect on your gut health independent of diet or other factors”, said Jeffery Woods, PhD, a professor at the university.

You don’t need to be a commonwealth athlete to make a difference; walking, jogging, running, dancing, they all count. Just aim for 150 minutes a week and trust me, your gut bacteria will love you for it.

4. Get proper sleep

Do you know about “circadian rhythm”? Many of us would call it the biological clock. It runs 24/7 and is interconnected with the gut microbiome. Circadian rhythm influences the composition of these bacteria and in turn gets affected by them.  Remember, if you are not sleeping properly, it can take a toll on your gut health. 

Tips for getting a good night’s sleep –

• Reduce long daytime naps
• Follow a same sleep schedule
• Avoid consuming caffeine late at night
• Reduce screen time
• Sleep in a restful environment

“Sleep deprivation is bad for your gut. And when your gut is not happy, your whole body feels it”

5. Reduce junk food intake

We all love to snack and much on when hunger strikes. But is it necessary? Instead of popping in those candies and eating those sandwiches, why not grab a healthy wholesome meal? Yeah, your gut bacteria do not like junk food and that’s why you must cut on it – the sooner, the better. 

Consuming too much fast food and other unhealthy foods that are highly processed or have high amounts of sugar can develop greater levels of destructive bacteria which in turn will harm your gut microbiome. Avoid the intake of such food and show your gut some love.

6. Take Supplementary support

The friendly bacteria for your gut needed to keep bad bacteria under check can also be obtained through supplements. Although there are many such supplements available in the market, Vogue Wellness BioZip is the one which stands out from the rest. It is the best probiotic supplement available today which not only benefits your gut but also improves skin health and reduces bloating. These capsules are formulated with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria to promote healthy digestion and aid detoxification. Regular consumption of these supplements can have amazing health benefits and bolster your gut flora. 

Gut needs special attention as it’s the epicentre of nutritional activity where all the food consumed gets broken down into simple digestible forms and is delivered to other parts of the body through bloodstream. A healthy gut boosts the immune system, promotes sound sleep and helps maintain a healthier heart & brain. 

While there is still much to be known about the gut microbiome, yet we do know for sure that it has a significant impact on our overall health. Embracing a healthy lifestyle and eating healthier wholesome foods can certainly ensure better gut health. 

“Afterall, a healthy gut paves the way to a healthy you.”