5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Digestive Health

By: Melissa Mitri, MS, RD

Gut health is deeply connected to overall well-being, influencing everything from digestion and immunity to brain function and metabolism. The trillions of microbes (i.e., bacteria and viruses) in the gut help regulate inflammation, support immune defenses, and even produce chemical messengers that affect mood and cognition.

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome contributes to better digestion, more stable energy levels, and a stronger body.

Because the gut interacts with nearly every system in the body, its health plays a key role in everything we do. An imbalanced gut can disrupt important connections within our body, impacting how we feel and function daily.

Let’s uncover the five best gut-supporting habits you can adopt to create better health from the inside out.

Why gut health matters

Focusing on your gut health creates a ripple effect across various facets of health. There are several aspects of health where the state of your gut plays a critical role:

● Digestive Health

● Immune Function

● Mental Health & Brain Function

● Metabolism & Weight Management

● Skin Health

● Heart Health

● Hormonal Balance

● Inflammation

A balanced microbiome strengthens immunity, regulates inflammation, supports mental health, and aids metabolism and appetite control. It also impacts skin clarity, hormone balance, and cardiovascular health.

And since approximately 70-80% of our immune cells are located in the gut, our gut clearly impacts our overall health. Let’s discuss how to optimize your gut health through simple daily habits.

Ways to Improve Gut Health

1. Eat more fiber-rich foods

Eating fiber-rich foods supports gut health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. These friendly microbes reduce inflammation, add bulk to stool, promote regular bowel movements, and prevent constipation. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Prebiotics are a particular type of beneficial fiber found in certain foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, leeks, and Jerusalem artichokes. They are also added to certain food products, and you’ll see them in various forms on the food label. A few prebiotic names to look out for include inulin, chicory root, and FOS.

These prebiotics specifically support gut health by serving as a nutrition source for probiotics, the beneficial gut bacteria that support health. In our Keto Pint Cream Bars with Probiotics, you’ll also find prebiotics derived from chicory root.

2. Incorporate probiotics and fermented foods

Adding probiotics along with prebiotics further supports gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria while providing the fuel they need to thrive. Incorporating probiotics from fermented foods helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, enhances nutrient absorption, and strengthens the gut barrier to keep harmful toxins out.

Some of the top fermented foods you can add to your diet include Greek yogurt, kimchi, kefir, sourdough bread, miso, and kombucha. Because of rising consumer interest in gut health, many food products may also contain probiotic cultures. Our Keto Pint Cream Bars followed suit with this important trend and live and active cultures on our ingredient list.

3. Reduce sugar and processed food

Disease-causing bacteria love sugar, and therefore, cutting back on added sugar can cut off their food supply. Reducing sugar and highly processed foods like sugary cereals, granola bars, sweets and pastries, and sugar-sweetened beverages can support gut health by preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Fortunately, there are zero-added-sugar treats and gut-friendly ice creams to curb your sweet tooth without the sugar rush.

4. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated supports gut health in several ways. It helps fiber work efficiently to promote regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports the elimination of potentially harmful bacteria. If you’re not currently drinking enough water, try keeping a glass by your bed so it’s the first thing you do when you wake up.

If you’re not a fan of plain water, you can add fresh flavors like mint, lemon, lime, or even cucumber to pretend you’re having a spa day. If all else fails, naturally flavored seltzer (without added sugar) is a hydrating alternative to water.

5. Manage stress

If you’ve ever had stomach cramps or had to run to the bathroom when you’re feeling anxious, this is not a coincidence. Chronic stress has a big effect on our gut health, and this stress can manifest in various ways via digestive symptoms.

Managing stress supports gut health by reducing inflammation and improving communication via the gut-brain connection. A few easy ways to manage stress include deep breathing, meditation, mindful movement, and quality sleep. The key to the best results is implementing these practices daily, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. For example, you can go for a short walk or create a 5-minute meditation practice before you start your day.

A Stronger Gut Means a Healthier You

Improving your digestive health doesn’t have to be complicated—small, consistent changes can have a big impact on digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. By eating more fiber-rich and fermented foods, reducing added sugar, staying hydrated, and managing stress, you can create a gut-friendly lifestyle that supports long-term health.

And when you’re looking for a delicious way to support your gut, try Keto Pint Cream Bars with Probiotics and prebiotics, a zero-added-sugar treat that fits right into a gut-friendly diet!

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to prevent, diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness or condition, nor does it take the place of sound medical advice. You should always seek out your own medical care and determine the best diet and course of treatment for your unique health needs.

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