Having good gut health means having the right balance between the tiny bacteria and other microbes living in your digestive system. These microorganisms, commonly defined as the microbiome, contribute to your overall health and wellness. You may be ruining and damaging your gut without even noticing it. Not getting enough sleep, smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, not eating a diverse range of foods, even using antibiotics can lead to an unhealthy gut. 

At Waku, we’ve got your back (and your gut). Here are 6 ways you can improve your gut health! It’s never too late to start repairing a damaged gut. In fact, certain foods and a healthier lifestyle can even naturally help improve your gut health!

• Fiber-Rich and Probiotic-Packed Foods

We know fiber as the “kick starter” of the digestive system. Research suggests that fiber actually reduces the risk of metabolic diseases often stimulated by excess growth of the bacteria in your gut. Some foods to incorporate into a daily diet include sweet potatoes, fennel, beets, spinach, and carrots. These foods, along with whole grains, are packed with gut-enhancing fiber. 

Fermented foods such as kombucha, yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut are also packed full of the probiotics that will lead to a super strong gut! Specifically, yogurt calms gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, and other inflammatory bowel issues. One study found that people who consumed yogurt on a daily basis actually had more gut-benefitting bacteria in their intestines and fewer bacteria that are commonly linked to inflammation!  

• Supplements are not your enemy

While supplements aren’t a miracle working solution for gut health, there is some evidence that shows probiotic supplements give the microbiota a boost in restoring your gut health. 

When prescribed an antibiotic, your doctor might even suggest taking a probiotic supplement to balance the bacteria in your gut and prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. 

While supplements have a history of harmful effects in immunocompromised people, it is commonly known to be safe for healthy people. You should speak to your doctor about taking a probiotic supplement. 

• A Little Exercise Doesn’t Hurt!

Movement is medicine. This is true for the microbiome, as well as other parts of your body! Exercise actually promotes an increase in the diversity of the healthy bacteria in your gut. 

Researchers found that a longer workout and higher-intensity aerobic training contributed the most to gut bacteria diversity. Exercise and diet not only impacts good gut health, but to your overall health and wellness. The study also showed that people who were more lean reaped the gut-health benefits rather than individuals who were overweight or obese. 

• No More Rounds

It’s not news that an excessive alcohol intake can lead to health issues. Specifically, repeated alcohol use is linked to gastritis, leading the gut to become inflamed and irritated. An inflamed gut can lead to ulcers, heartburn, and other bacterial infections. 

• Drink Lots of Water!

Staying hydrated has been shown to promote a healthy gut, and has beneficial effects on the mucosal lining of your intestines, a part in maintaining a good balance of bacteria in the gut. 

• Change your diet

Reducing the amount of sugars, fatty foods, or processed foods can lead to a healthier gut. Eating plenty of plant-based foods and lean protein such as plant-based milks, tofu, or even grilled chicken can positively impact your gut. 

Sunrise on the inside

At Waku, we make it our mission to make having a healthy gut accessible, easy, and delicious. We use the purest all-natural ingredients in our blend of 20 different herbs and flowers and all natural sweeteners to bring our customers a perfect herbal, prebiotic-packed tea. 

You can really taste the fresh berries and basil in our Berries & Basil, or the floral rose and tart raspberry in our Raspberry Rose. 

There’s a reason why Waku is on the radar of the gut-health conscious. It’s the perfect blend of refreshing flavors and sustainable ingredients sourced from the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. Every bottle of Waku comes packed with all natural ingredients  for a happy and healthy gut. Pick up a bottle of Waku to give your body exactly what it needs -- you deserve it.