In recent years, gut health and an emphasis on proper digestion has taken the wellness world by storm. From time to time, we like to cover the latest trends that have characterized the wellness world to help you decide if these trends are worth your consideration. While taking a vitamin for bloating and a gut health enzyme supplement are most definitely pillars to a digestive health routine, there are other ways to support your digestion and overall health! Let’s dive into some of the latest trending activities for living a healthy life!
Prebiotic Sodas: What Are They and Are They Truly Beneficial?
Prebiotic sodas are carbonated drinks that contain prebiotics in different forms and also tend to contain fiber. The idea behind these drinks is that they will help to feed your gut healthy bacteria and boost your digestive health while also offering you a fun and delicious way to do so. Prebiotics sodas have had a recent rise in popularity due to the amount of people sharing their interest on social media. Those who have seen the sodas on the shelves in their local markets are well aware of their popularity and aesthetic allure; however, are prebiotic sodas really going to help support your digestion. Let’s break it down.
These prebiotic sodas tend to list prebiotics such as nopal cactus, kudzu root, and Jerusalem artichoke as a part of their ingredients. The presence of these different prebiotics will definitely help to boost your digestion and feed your gut the healthy bacteria it needs in order to thrive. The addition of fiber to these drinks can also help to make them a wonderful support of regular bowel movements. However, it is important to take a close look at the ingredient list and ensure you understand what you are putting into your body. For example, some of these beverages might contain high levels of processed sugars making it more of a complication than helpful when it comes to your health.
It is also important to note that while carbonated beverages might help relieve trapped gas and promote digestion, some people actually experience adverse effects from carbonation. Those who struggle with heartburn or bloating might find that carbonation further exacerbates their symptoms. However, if you find that carbonation does not affect you negatively and have discovered a healthy prebiotic soda then they might be a good fit for your lifestyle. They can be especially helpful for those looking to make a switch away from traditional soda.
Why People Are Adopting a Gluten Free Diet for Digestive Health
There are several different diet fads out there that people tend to adopt for one reason or another. A gluten-free diet is just one of many recent diet trends people have taken on in hopes of curing some of their digestive issues, but will a gluten-free diet truly benefit one’s gut health? Gluten is a protein that can be found in a variety of different products and wheat. Gluten can be commonly found in popular ingredients such as pasta and bread. While gluten does not necessarily offer many benefits to the human body, it will only cause issues for someone who is intolerant or sensitive to it.
People who have gluten sensitivity or a gluten intolerance will find they can become bloated, constipated, and feel unwell after consuming foods with gluten in them. For these people, a gluten-free diet will most definitely improve their quality of life and digestive health. However, those who do not experience complications from gluten do not really have a motive for removing it from their diet. If you are unsure about your sensitivity levels to gluten, reach out to your physician and be sure to take note of how foods with gluten impact you.
While gluten does not have any health benefits, the foods that gluten can be found in provide essential vitamins and minerals. Foods that contain gluten tend to contain soluble fiber or iron — both of which are beneficial to one’s health.
When it comes to adopting a new diet, it is important to speak to your physician because they are going to help you discern if it fits your specific needs and desires. Everyone is different and following another person’s diet will not necessarily help you achieve your goals. However, it is worthy to understand the potential complications that gluten can cause for some people.
Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor and How It Can Help Your Digestion
The pelvic floor muscles can be found in between a person’s tailbone and pubic bone. If this is your first time hearing about a pelvic floor, then you might be wondering why people have turned their attention to it and its potential benefits to one’s health. Well, a person with a weak pelvic floor can experience constipation or might struggle to control their bowel movements.
There are many natural life experiences that can cause a person’s pelvic floor muscles to weaken, and while sometimes it is simply aging, there are different exercises a person can do to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. Proper breathing techniques, squatting, and prioritizing a healthy diet can all help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. However, it is not necessarily a must-do when it comes to digestive health.
Eating healthy, drinking water, and living an active life are more important than your pelvic floor strength in regards to fostering a healthy digestive process. While it most certainly will not hurt, there is no evidence to suggest that pelvic floor maintenance should be a part of every person’s routine.
All in all, these three different wellness trends are great examples of activities that are popular on social media but that are not necessarily needed to live a healthy life. Your digestive system will respond best to the natural and traditional methods of fostering a healthy gut. Activities such as taking your probiotic supplement and incorporating proper eating habits into your routine will be the ways to truly set your gut health apart from the rest.