November/December 2022

Gut Health

Your gut microbiome is the foundation of your health. So, what is gut health? Gut health is the balance of good and bad bacteria and yeast in the digestive system. Many factors can affect the balance in your gut such as poor sleep, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, stress and lack of nutrient diversity.

To improve gut health:

• Include a diet that high in fiber-rich foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit high-fat and high-sugar foods
• Reduce stress levels
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid taking antibiotics unless necessary
• Eat sources of probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, or a probiotic supplement)

Poor gut health can lead to autoimmune problems such as thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes, and digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, and the uncomfortable sensation of bloating. Poor gut health is commonly seen in people with sleep disturbances, depression/anxiety, skin rashes and allergies.

The Western diet is high in saturated fat and sugar, yet poor in fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. This diet is directly linked to increased risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and stroke.

One way to improve gut health is by limiting stress. Join Daron, virtually, for Mindful Mondays to start a healthy habit of destressing and practicing mindfulness. Register for the December 5 session beginning November 1. Kent State of Well-being (KSoW) also provides mindful opportunities for the KSU community, including Meditation Across Campus (free, facilitated, 30-minute meditation sessions, including a virtual option) and Koru Mindfulness & Meditation training. 

Browse KSoW programming