Here's to Better Health in the New Year

As we advance into 2023, you might be trying to decide on a New Year’s resolution. Consider making the upcoming year your journey to a healthier you by identifying ways to invigorate your GI wellness. Maintaining a healthy gut can enhance your general health in several ways you might not have ever thought about.

The dedicated GI team at Arizona Digestive Health has provided some important notes surrounding methods to improve digestion and how you can increase your comprehensive gastrointestinal health.

What are some benefits of good gastrointestinal wellness?

If your gut wellness is suffering, it can affect every aspect of your life. There is a symbiotic relationship between good and bad microbes within the gut. If this microbiome is disproportionate, it may cause many concerns. Improper gut health can negatively impact your sleep, aggravate your stress levels, and increase your risk for other health concerns. However, when we pay attention to our gut health, the benefits are endless. A few ways that maintaining good GI health can positively improve your general and GI wellness involve:

• Brain health benefits
• Strengthening your bones
• Improving your mood
• Heart health advantages
• Weight management
• Enhancing your immune system
• Enhancing your sleep quality

In general, it is the understanding that the gut microbiome is crucial for overall health. Any lifestyle changes you incorporate to improve your gastrointestinal health will not only include ways to aid in digestion, but can also serve to elevate your whole-body well-being.

How can I improve my digestive health?

There are numerous actions that you can take to increase your gastrointestinal health. Several of these involve the types of nourishment we give ourselves, which directly connects to how effectively we absorb our foods and the overall health of our gut. Healthier nutritional options include:

• A plant-based diet
• A lot of beans, vegetables, fruits, legumes (broccoli, bananas, apples, raspberries, artichokes)
• A polyphenol-rich diet (almonds, green tea, blueberries, dark chocolate)
• Prebiotic items (legumes, beans, peas, oats, bananas, and berries)
• A varied array of foods
• Whole grains

You might also amplify your gut health by ingesting probiotic-rich foods, including items like kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt, or kimchi.

How can I help my digestion?

Once you start making the modifications noted above to your diet to improve your gut health, these adjustments should, in turn, also help during digestion. You can also make a number of lifestyle modifications to assist with your digestion. Some additional steps include:

• Maintain standard exercise
• Get a good night's sleep
• Reduce stress
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hydrated
• Refrain from tobacco use

If you've changed your diet and lifestyle and keep experiencing gastrointestinal problems lasting for more than two weeks, you should meet with a digestive doctor at Arizona Digestive Health for further evaluation. Repeated abdominal pain, constipation, loose stools or diarrhea, or other GI concerns are indications that you need to contact one of our Arizona gastroenterology professionals to request a consultation.

Find an experienced digestive specialist in Arizona

At Arizona Digestive Health, we are a team of skilled GI specialists that aims to impart complete care not only for troubles as they develop, but also to assist you in maintaining better digestive health for optimal wellness. If you are grappling with digestive concerns and need help with elevating your gut health, reserve a consultation at one of our Arizona locations to begin your path to a better you this coming year.