IQ of The Gut
Our mood and lifestyle are as important as our dietary habits in order to ensure the healthy functioning of our intestines and to maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiome.
Probiotic Consumption
In order to maintain the balance of the microbiome in the intestines, we need to pay attention to both our diet and our activities. One of the most important ways to achieve this balance is the consumption of probiotics. Consumption of probiotics not only protects the life and balance of the microbiome in the intestines, but also improves the immune system and skin health. Yogurt and kefir are among the most commonly known probiotics. In addition, coconut, pickles and apple cider vinegar also provide the microbiome balance in the intestines with their probiotic properties.
Eating Plant-Based
A study by Daniel McDonald, Director of the American Gut Research Project, shows that people on a fruit- and vegetable-heavy diet have healthier and more diverse microbiomes. Therefore; The diet, which is mainly plant-based and less red meat is consumed, is very beneficial for our intestines. In addition, consuming foods rich in fiber plays an important role both for our gut health and for our immune system.
Reducing Stress
It is also vital to reduce stress and protect mental and physical health in order to maintain the microbiome balance in the intestines. Research proves that anxiety and stress negatively alter the diversity and balance of the gut microbiome. For this reason, doing activities such as yoga that will reduce daily stress positively affect intestinal health.
Lots of Sun
Studies show that sunlight or vitamin D supplementation positively affects our microbiome composition. Vitamin D intake is very important for our intestines; because its deficiency causes inflammation that damages the intestines. This prevents the distribution, diversity and healthy functioning of the microorganisms in the intestine.
The views expressed in this article are written to shed light on alternative studies and to encourage conversation about these studies. Even if the articles contain the advice of physicians to some extent, they are for informational purposes only. This text; cannot replace professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
More for the curious:
- https://goop.com/wellness/health/is-your-gut-healthy-how-to-tell/
- https://goop.com/wellness/health/ways-to-improve-gut-health/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452231719300181#t0005
- https://www.bbc.com/turkce/vert-fut-47027998
- https://biruni.com.tr/e-kutuphane/populer-bultenler/microbiota/
About the Author:
Selin Akbaş – Be People Editor
Selin Akbaş, who completed her undergraduate education at Boğaziçi University, Department of History, did journalism internships at Medyascope.tv and Thomson Reuters News Agency during her university years, and worked as a copywriter for various blogs. He has been working in the field of strategic content production and copywriting as one of the editors of Fabrika Creative since December 2019.
