Gut health matters! 6 easy ways to prioritize it this winter

December 13, 2024 at 09:25 AM EST

(BPT) - The holiday season is a festive, joyous time of year but it can pack a one-two punch. With all of the holiday baking, get-togethers and big meals, people tend to overindulge in rich foods, sweet treats and more. All of that has the potential to disrupt your gut, which can make you feel sluggish and also weaken your immune system. Here's where that one-two punch comes in. This time of year is also the height of the cold and flu season, when you need your immune system to be super charged.

The good news? Focusing on your gut health can help with both of these things, and will have you and your family feeling your best from the inside out. Finding ways to support this part of your body with solutions such as consistent sleep or taking a reliable probiotic can be not only easy but crucial to your family's overall health.

Why is the gut so important? Living within the gut are "good bacteria." Studies show that the gut microbiome - housing trillions of bacteria - influences various aspects of our health, including nutrient absorption, fiber digestion and gut barrier function, but it doesn't stop there. It also plays a role in your immune system, pathogen resistance, metabolism, weight management, and even mood and behavior. Prioritizing the gut isn't just helpful for adults. It's important for children, too.

To help you prioritize your family's gut health, Registered Dietitian and Florastor Brand Ambassador Steph Grasso, MS, RD, shared some useful tips.

1. Increase fiber in your diet

Fiber is the main fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Without enough fiber, the diversity of your gut bacteria can decrease, which negatively impacts digestion and your immune system. Women should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get about 38 grams. Incorporate whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Try starting your family's day with oats, snacking on apples (skin on), or adding beans to soups and salads to boost fiber intake.

2. Include probiotic-rich foods

Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit your digestive system. Eating probiotic-rich foods helps restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, promoting better digestion and a stronger immune system. Yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha are all great options for adults. But beyond yogurt, kids aren't generally big on probiotic-rich foods. That's why supplements can be a powerful ally.

3. Use a probiotic supplement

If you're not getting enough probiotics from your food, taking a daily supplement could help. But not all probiotics are the same. Check the specific probiotic strain to see if research backs it up. For example, Florastor Dual Action Probiotic Supplement contains the strain backed by research to not only support digestive health, but also immune health. Why Florastor? It is the #1 selling probiotic worldwide and contains the probiotic strain Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM 1-745, which has been rigorously studied and extensively documented for over 70 years. It has been safely taken by more than 460 families in nearly 100 countries around the world.

4. Talk to your doctor about probiotics for your children

Especially during the holiday season, kids' diets can lean toward sweets and rich foods, so a probiotic can be helpful to keep tummies happy. But that's not the only reason to give kids probiotics. As every parent knows, kids bring home colds and flu and other illnesses from the classroom. Boosting their immune system is vital to warn off those bugs. And even more vital, if they're taking an antibiotic for an illness, a probiotic is helpful in restoring that good bacteria. FlorastorKids Dual Action Probiotic Supplement has the same history of rigorous testing as the adult version, so you can count on it to help support your child's gut and immune system by helping good bacteria thrive while flushing out the bad.

5. Prioritize sleep

Poor sleep is linked to negative changes in the gut microbiome. Getting enough quality sleep supports both your gut and your mental health. Create a calming bedtime routine, like reading or doing some light stretches before bed. Try to limit screen time and avoid heavy meals before going to sleep.

6. Manage stress

Chronic stress can disrupt your gut bacteria, leading to digestive problems and increased inflammation. Managing stress with different techniques can help keep your gut in balance. Try yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises. One powerful way to manage stress is to start your day with a morning walk outside, weather permitting. Getting out in nature is so beneficial for mind and body!

With 70 years of research and safe use, Florastor is the #1 probiotic worldwide. Like all probiotics, Florastor has not been evaluated by the FDA. For more information about probiotics, visit Florastor.com.

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Gut health matters! 6 easy ways to prioritize it this winter

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