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Tummy Troubles? Here Are 5 Simple Ways to Heal Your Gut Naturally

If you suffer from (hopefully occasional) tummy troubles, or digestive issues, you know all too well the pain, discomfort, and embarrassment of daily digestive woes. Or worse yet – the pain of a flare up. And finding foods that support gut health can be a real pain in the butt (pun intended).

We’re talking Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or other, more general tummy troubles.

Maybe you’ve talked to your health care professional or seen a gastroenterologist or two, only to have them recommend a course of prescription medications that exacerbate your issues or cause other unpleasant side effects. And even if the medication did work, do you really want to rely on medication for the rest of your life?

Even if you don’t have a diagnosed gastrointestinal disease or disorder, you may still find yourself experiencing unpleasant symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, or other signs of a tummy flare up, and in need of some gut health support.

All these symptoms can be uncomfortable (and embarrassing), especially in social situations. So, you may be wondering how to heal your gut. There has to be a better way than medication . . . right? Good news – there is!
 

You’re Able to Heal Your Gut Naturally

Your overall health is directly connected to your gut health. Just like the old saying, “You are what you eat,” health begins on the inside, and starts with your gut. Research shows that an unhealthy gut may contribute to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome, among many others.
 
Luckily, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help you find relief and heal your gut naturally! Each person and condition may have specific inhibitors or cause different reactions, so take it easy, start slow, and most importantly, listen to your body and what is it telling you during this gut healing process.
 
Learn more about Intuitive Eating here!
 

Here’s How to Heal Your Gut Naturally in 5 Simple Ways:
 

1. Relax

Stress has many negative effects on your body, so it’s no wonder that you may experience some degree of decreased gut health and a tummy flare up during times of particularly high stress. While it’s probably easier said than done, during times of stress (and every single day), try to relax. Take time each day to do something that you enjoy.
 
Practice some yoga. Read a book. Get a pedicure. Take a walk. Whatever is your feel-good activity, make sure to pencil in time every day to take time for yourself.
 
 

2. Eat Whole, Unprocessed Foods

While you probably already know that eating whole, unprocessed foods is better for your health, these foods are also really important in maintaining gut health, and even healing your gut. Choose foods in their whole forms, and try to avoid anything pre-packaged or prepared.
 
Packaged foods contain preservatives that extend shelf life, but wreck havoc on your gut. Worst of all, food manufacturers are not required to list all of these additives on the label because their amounts are so small (yet they have a huge impact on your gut).
 
Instead, choose a diet that includes fruits and veggies, unprocessed meats, and healthy fats, such as nuts and avocados.
 
Also, depending on your level of discomfort and reaction to foods, you might want to eliminate inflammatory foods and beverages such as alcohol, gluten, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, and sugar. If something causes a reaction, see what it’s like to nix it. You may find it’s better to feel good every day than to eat that bagel or drink that martini!
 
And whatever you do, avoid artificial sweeteners. They’re known to cause upset stomach, bloating, headaches, and many other digestive issues. Stick with natural sweeteners, like honey or agave, or whatever your tummy can handle. If you choose honey, go for raw (especially Manuka) honey. It’s known to stimulate digestive juices, and can help make your meal more enjoyable.
 

 

3. Keep It Warm

Digestion is a process that requires warm energy. From an Ayurvedic perspective, raw and cold foods can slow digestion, and actually lead to weight gain in some cases. Additionally, cold drinks are on the “foods to avoid” list because they also slow digestion.
 
With that in mind, reduce the amount of raw fruits and veggies you eat, as they are hard to digest, and put unnecessary stress on your digestive system. Instead, cook or steam your produce ahead of time, so it is in the best form for your body to digest and utilize.
 
Drink warm liquids such as ginger tea and warm bone broth are to heal your gut. Bone broth is especially healing – it’s an excellent source of gelatin and collagen. Studies show that bone broth can restore and heal the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, balance good bacteria, and reduce inflammation. The gelatin in bone broth also promotes stomach acid production to aid digestion.
 
Recommended Read: How to Improve Your Digestion Using Essential Oils
 
 

4. Find the Right Probiotic

There is a never-ending battle in your gut between good and bad bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for your body eliminating toxins, fighting colds and illnesses, and regulating your metabolism.
 
Probiotics help balance bacteria and maintain gut health by preventing bad bacteria from taking over. You can look for a probiotic supplement, or opt for fermented foods such as kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt to get your fill of probiotics.
 
 

5. Amp Up Your L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine is known to repair and regenerate the lining of your intestinal tract, as well as soothe inflammation. There are many supplements on the market, or you can obtain L-Glutamine from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, spinach, parsley, beets and some dairy products.
 

Enjoy Your Healthy Gut!

When you experience digestive distress, your body is trying to tell you something. Take a moment to listen to your body, and respond accordingly. If you are experiencing gas, bloating constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, or other signs of a flare up, take a step back. Look at your current lifestyle choices, and consider implementing some of these easy steps into your daily routine.
 
Your tummy will thank you for it.
 

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Krysta Shannon

Krysta is a staff writer and product review guru at YouAligned. She believes in the powers of healing crystals and essential oils, and never leaves home without them. Krysta is a true Jersey girl (in the best sort of way) who embraces a non-toxic and all-natural lifestyle.

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