What is Gut Health?

Written By Jenna Oskvarek

Gut health is the state of your digestive system, which includes your stomach and intestines. It's important because it helps you digest food and absorb nutrients from the foods you eat.

Gut health can be influenced by many things including:

  • Diet (what you eat)

  • Stress levels (how much stress you're under)

  • Environment (where you live)

Signs of Poor Gut Health in Women in Their 20s

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of poor gut health:

  1. Digestive issues like bloating or constipation

  2. Skin problems like acne and eczema (which can also be linked to allergies)

  3. Low energy levels that don't improve with exercise or diet changes (many people who are dealing with poor gut health find that their fatigue worsens as they get older)

  4. Poor mental health, including depression and anxiety

Dietary Tips for Gut Health

  • Increase fiber intake

  • Reduce processed food intake

  • Include probiotics in your diet

  • Drink plenty of water

Lifestyle Tips for Gut Health

  • Exercise regularly: exercise is one of the best ways to keep your gut healthy. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall gut health, which can help prevent or treat conditions like Crohn's disease.

  • Practice stress management: stress can lead to digestive issues, so it's important to find ways that work for you to manage your stress levels. Try meditation or yoga if they appeal to you; otherwise, there are many other techniques available such as deep breathing exercises or listening to music (just don't listen while driving).

  • Get enough sleep: getting enough sleep helps regulate hormones that control hunger and satiety signals sent from the brain through hunger pangs in the stomach region as well as signals related to fullness/satiety at other locations throughout our bodies including our brains! This means eating less but feeling fuller longer!

Jenna Oskvarek