A recent study shows that 74%
of Americans live
with some form of gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort.

Do you fall into that category? If
so, it's time to fix your gut from the inside out.

While there are certain medical
conditions that can lead to tummy troubles, a few simple diet and
exercise tweaks can often help reverse the discomfort.

Today, we're taking a look at a
few ways you can help balance your GI tract, so you can reclaim your
quality of life.

Ready to learn more? Let's dive
in!

1. Kick Saturated Fats to the
Curb

Yes, few meals taste as satisfying
as a juicy burger. Yet, if you really want to improve gut health,
you'll need to limit the saturated fats in your diet.

Scientists now know that these
unhealthy fats can lead to bowel
disease. In
short, they upset the balance of good bacteria in your gut and
instead introduce more harmful bacteria.

The result? Your stomach makes
more bile, your intestinal walls weaken and you're rushing to the
bathroom in no time.

Want to eat more foods that
promote gut health? Try looking for ones high in Omega 3s. These
fatty acids found in nuts and some fish are full of anti-inflammatory
properties.

2. Exercise More

Want another reason to hit the
ground running?

A great workout adds more oxygen
to your blood. This helps revitalize your GI tract and also
kickstarts your enzymes to process and break down your food.

3. Try a Little TLC

Book a vacation, draw a hot bath
or take a walk outside. It's no secret that there's a
connection between
your brain and your gut.

When you're stressed or anxious,
you may notice that your stomach problems flare up. This isn't a
coincidence. It's your body's way of telling you to indulge in some
self-care, ASAP.

4. Consider Prebiotics or
Probiotics

They've become buzzwords in the
health industry, but these organisms stand up to the hype.

Found in cultured dairy products
like yogurt, as well as honey, whole grains, and even artichokes,
they can help encourage healthy gut flora. Incorporate a few into
your diet to see if it makes a difference.

Add added benefit? Going a natural
route like this can help you prevent any negative side effects of
prescription drugs. This post
from Microbe Formulas says
that diarrhea is listed as a possible adverse side effect on the
label of over 700 different medications!

5. Get Some Vitamin D

Go outside and soak up some rays!
Scientists say that vitamin
D can help quell
an upset stomach. This is because it's actually a group of
fat-soluble prohormones that help balance your body's levels of
calcium and phosphorus.

Don't live in a sunny locale? Try
a vitamin D supplement to achieve the same effect, consulting with
your doctor for the correct dosage.

Fix Your Gut, One Step at a
Time

Your GI tract is sensitive, and
even the smallest change can inflame or upset it.

As such, it can be difficult to
keep it balanced, especially if you've dealt with stomach issues your
whole life.

The good news? It's possible to
fix your gut if you take the right precautions and follow these
simple steps.

Want more lifestyle tips you can
use? Keep reading our blog!