Are there any other lifestyle changes that can support gut health in addition to taking prebiotic supplements?

May 18, 2023 2 min read

Are there any other lifestyle changes that can support gut health in addition to taking prebiotic supplements?

There are several lifestyle changes that can support gut health in addition to taking prebiotic supplements. Here are a few examples:

  1. Eat a healthy and diverse diet: A diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide the nutrients and fiber necessary for a healthy gut microbiome.
  2. Reduce stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health by altering the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.
  3. Get enough sleep: Sleep is important for overall health, including gut health. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can negatively impact the gut microbiome.
  4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help support a healthy gut by aiding in digestion and promoting regular bowel movements.
  5. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise has been shown to support a healthy gut microbiome by increasing microbial diversity and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
  6. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on the gut microbiome and overall gut health.

Incorporating these lifestyle changes in addition to taking prebiotic supplements can help support a healthy gut microbiome and promote overall health and well-being.

 

Sources:

  1. Sonnenburg ED, Sonnenburg JL. Starving our microbial self: the deleterious consequences of a diet deficient in microbiota-accessible carbohydrates. Cell Metab. 2014;20(5):779-786. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2014.07.003
  2. Singh RK, Chang HW, Yan D, et al. Influence of diet on the gut microbiome and implications for human health. J Transl Med. 2017;15(1):73. doi:10.1186/s12967-017-1175-y
  3. Moco S, Candela M, Chuang E, et al. Microbial glycoside hydrolases as nutritional gatekeepers in the human gut microbiome. Nat Metab. 2020;2(6):337-345. doi:10.1038/s42255-020-0202-2
  4. Desai MS, Seekatz AM, Koropatkin NM, et al. A dietary fiber-deprived gut microbiota degrades the colonic mucus barrier and enhances pathogen susceptibility. Cell. 2016;167(5):1339-1353.e21. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2016.10.043
  5. Wu GD, Chen J, Hoffmann C, et al. Linking long-term dietary patterns with gut microbial enterotypes. Science. 2011;334(6052):105-108. doi:10.1126/science.1208344
  6. González-Sarrías A, Romo-Vaquero M, García-Villalba R, et al. The endotoxemia marker lipopolysaccharide-binding protein is reduced in overweight-obese subjects consuming pomegranate extract by modulating the gut microbiota: a randomized clinical trial. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018;62(23):e1800160. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201800160
  7. Singh V, Yeoh BS, Chassaing B, et al. Microbiota-inducible innate immune, siderophore binding protein lipocalin 2 is critical for intestinal homeostasis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;2(4):482-498.e6. doi:10.1016/j.jcmgh.2016.01.005
  8. Cardona F, Andrés-Lacueva C, Tulipani S, Tinahones FJ, Queipo-Ortuño MI. Benefits of polyphenols on gut microbiota and implications in human health. J Nutr Biochem. 2013;24(8):1415-1422. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2013.05.001
  9. David LA, Maurice CF, Carmody RN, et al. Diet rapidly and reproducibly alters the human gut microbiome. Nature. 2014;505(7484):559-563. doi:10.1038/nature12820


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