
How to Improve Gut Health Naturally: The Complete Guide
Your gut doesn’t just digest food—it produces around 90% of your body’s “happy hormone”, serotonin, and trains 70% of your immune cells.
No wonder it’s earned the nickname “Second Brain.”
When your gut flora is out of whack, you can end up battling anything from bloating and brain fog to low mood and weakened immunity.
The great news?
You can rebalance your microbiome—and reclaim your health—through simple, science-backed tweaks to your diet, daily habits, and key supplements.
Ready to give your gut the boost it deserves?
Let's dive straight in.
What is gut health?
Your gut is home to trillions of microbes, fungi, and bacteria, which are also known collectively as the gut microbiome. When your gut has an optimal balance of bacteria, your body will function correctly, but an unbalanced gut can lead to a range of health issues.
Research published by Guts Charity UK led to some surprising revelations about gut health, including:
- 43% of people in the UK have experienced digestive discomfort, yet people are more likely to prioritise their weight, sleep, teeth, and heart over their digestive health.
- Despite many people experiencing digestive health symptoms, just 41% of them have visited a doctor to discuss their symptoms.
- Individuals aged 18-34 are more likely to experience digestive health issues than older generations.
Why is gut health important?
The gut is home to millions of cells that automatically respond to the foods and drinks we consume, communicating what's happening with the brain. A healthy gut can automatically adjust digestive system secretions, absorb nutrients, and prevent digestive disorders.
However, if the gut is imbalanced, it can cause a range of issues, including:
-
Heart Issues: While research is ongoing, many studies have concluded that bad gut bacteria can increase the risks of heart issues, including strokes and heart attacks. In contrast, a healthy gut microbiome increases good cholesterol and prevents cardiovascular issues (NIH).
-
Low Immunity: The immune system is vital for preventing infections and helping you recover quickly. Unfortunately, an unbalanced gut reduces your body's ability to fight off infections. In some cases, your immune system may begin to attack itself, leading to autoimmune conditions (NIH).
-
Digestive Tract Issues: Most people know that poor gut health can increase the risks of digestive symptoms, including constipation and diarrhoea. Some people may develop conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- Fatigue and Sleep Problems: The gut produces serotonin, which is vital for sleep. When someone has an excess amount of harmful bacteria, it can result in sleep disturbances. Research from King's College London confirms the link between gut microbiome and sleep.
How to support gut health naturally
There are many ways to support gut health and prevent digestive problems, but it all starts with natural lifestyle and diet changes. Some people decide to go all-in with their gut health, but this can actually cause negative effects.
For example, hardcore regimes and juice cleanses may seem like great ideas, but they can cause more harm than good in the long run.
So, what does ensure the perfect balance of gut bacteria?
A low FODMAP diet
Low FODMAP diets are eating plans that can be beneficial for people with digestive disorders and IBS, as they reduce their symptoms. It cuts out foods classed as short-chain carbohydrates that are difficult to digest, including:
- Fermentable Oligosaccharides
- Disaccharides
- Monosaccharides
- Polyols
Many people find that foods such as garlic, onion, legumes, pears, apples, and certain dairy products can cause gastric symptoms, but reducing their intake or eliminating them altogether is beneficial for digestive health.
Over time, you can gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet.
Fibre moderation
Fibre is vital for avoiding constipation and ensuring regular bowel movements. However, consuming too much fibre can have negative effects and disrupt your gut microbiota, leading to a variety of symptoms.
Reducing your intake of fibre can be beneficial if you notice excess wind, stomach pain, or other complications when you consume high amounts of fibre.
Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for overall health, and experts recommend that the average adult get around 150 minutes of exercise each week. Moderate activity can also ensure that your gut works correctly and promote regular bowel movements.
You don't need to go on five-mile runs each day, as simple things such as walking, aerobics, cycling, and swimming can make a significant difference. Strength training is also beneficial, whether that's through lifting weights, Pilates, yoga, or anything else.
Supplements that promote a healthy gut
Aside from making minor lifestyle adjustments, taking supplements enables you to ensure your gut receives an optimal balance of bacteria and fills nutritional gaps. While there's no substitute for a balanced diet and exercise, the following supplements can reduce digestive discomfort.
Probiotic supplements
Probiotics are proven to restore gut bacteria balance and reduce symptoms (MDPI). These supplements contain live microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria, which are similar to the natural microbes in your gut.
However, it's important to remember that there are multiple types of probiotics, and the ones you choose should align with your current health and any symptoms you experience.
A healthcare professional can help you identify which strains your body is low in and will recommend a suitable supplement.
Apple cider vinegar
Many people swear by apple cider vinegar - especially unfiltered strains that contain "the mother", which is abundant in pectin, friendly bacteria, enzymes, and proteins. The acetic acid in ACV can also decrease your stomach's acid levels, which can enhance digestion.
While ACV isn't a probiotic, it can still balance gut bacteria and support your health. However, excessive apple cider vinegar consumption can produce laxative effects and lead to gastric discomfort, so choosing an ACV supplement that contains optimal levels is important.
Supergreens
If you don't get enough nutrients through diet alone, opting for a Supergreens Supplement can be beneficial. These supplements contain healthy amounts of fibre and antioxidants, which aid digestion and neutralise acids, creating a balanced gut environment.
While supergreens alone won't instantly cure your gut, they can work well alongside AVC. Our Good Gut Bundle is there to fill any gaps in your diet and support your digestion.
Introducing Sealions Good Gut Gummies
At Sealions, we're all about helping our customers enjoy a healthier lifestyle through supplements. We created our Good Gut Gummies to ensure your body receives a healthy dose of good bacteria and strengthens a weakened immune system.
Here's what's in these powerful gummies:
Probiotic Strains
Each gummy contains the following probiotic strains:
-
Bifidobacterium Infantis (0.75 billion cfu): This strain is integral to supporting and reducing IBS symptoms, including cramps, wind, and infrequent bowel movements.
-
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus (0.75 billion cfu): L. rhamnosus is a form of good bacteria that helps your body absorb bad nutrients and eliminate bad organisms.
-
Lactobacillus Casei (0.75 cfu): This beneficial bacteria can eliminate inflammation and treat an upset stomach.
Essential Nutrients
Vitamins and minerals play key roles in supporting your immune system and ensuring you have the right balance of healthy bacteria. Our supplement contains therapeutic amounts of the following:
-
Vitamin C: As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C is integral to your immune function and protects your body from free radical damage.
-
B Vitamins: B vitamins, including B6, Niacin, and Pantothenic Acid, support brain health and can enhance your energy. They're also essential for regulating your nervous system and metabolism.
- Chamomile: Chamomile tea is popular because it soothes the mind and gut. We've included it because of its holistic properties.
Final thoughts
Gut health will continue to cause problems for many people, and understanding its importance is crucial to protecting your digestive system, heart, brain, and immunity. We created our gut health gummies to provide essential support when needed most while ensuring you can save money.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer service team. Otherwise, stock up on gut health supplements today and enjoy excellent prices and speedy UK delivery.
Shop Sealions Good Gut Gummies
FAQs
How long will probiotics take to work?
Probiotics aren't a quick solution; they should be part of a lifestyle change. In most cases, you should notice benefits within two to four weeks of usage, but staying consistent for optimal benefits is important.
Why choose Sealions gummies?
Our gummies help restore a natural balance of bacteria in your gut. They're more convenient to take than tablets and have natural flavouring. Many people prefer using gummies because they taste nicer and are much easier to swallow and digest than tablets.
What are the main signs of gut dysbiosis?
The main signs of unbalanced gut bacteria include:
- Changes to your bowel habits
- Bloating and stomach pains
- Gas and belching
- Mucus in your stools
- Sleep issues
- Skin problems
- Sugar cravings
- Joint pain
- Brain fog
- Mood swings
Tagged: