2022-02-02T16:49:00
(BPT) – Aside from the traditional New Year’s resolutions we see many people make each year, gut health is taking center stage in 2022. A recent survey showed that 1 in 4 of today’s consumers are prioritizing gut and immune health in the new year.1 The nationwide survey conducted by the #1 probiotic brand for customer satisfaction,† Jarrow Formulas, found that among those who reported feeling more stressed in 2021, over half (52%) are taking preventive measures to support their gut health, and 1 in 5 said immune health will be part of their wellness resolutions.1
“70% of the immune system lives in the digestive system2, and with all the challenges to our immune system today, nutrition is more important than ever,” said Jarrow Formulas clinical nutritionist and author Ken Babal. “While New Year resolution setting can often feel daunting as we set out on a new way of being, put into practice simple and small changes to your daily habits that can help improve your gut health and, in turn, enhance your overall well-being all year long.”
Here are Babal’s tips to help you reach your wellness goals for a happier, healthier 2022.
1. Feed your gut with cultured, fermented and fiber-rich foods
What you eat directly impacts the bacteria makeup — or microbiome — of the gut. Cultured foods are an important factor in protecting the gut and supporting your immunity. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kombucha, miso and kimchi provide beneficial probiotic bacteria that dilute and crowd out unfriendly bacteria that do not support a healthy gut.
Additionally, following a wholesome diet with fiber-rich foods will help feed good gut bacteria. Reach for fish, and antioxidant-rich food such as flaxseed, fresh fruit (particularly berries, cherries and grapes), leafy greens, green tea, garlic, olive oil, ginger and curry for overall gut health support.
2. Take a probiotic supplement to complement your diet
Probiotic bacteria support gut health by secreting enzymes that aid digestion. For extra protection beyond your balanced diet, a probiotic supplement will help provide a guaranteed number of healthy bacteria to populate the intestine.
Babal recommends Jarrow Formulas Probiotic+ Gummies, which are formulated with two clinically studied probiotic strains known to effectively support stomach health and aid digestion and nutrient absorption while improving the gut barrier and supporting your immune response.* These probiotic strains are resistant to gastric acid, which allows them to deliver effective regulation directly within the gut.
The best part? The Probiotic+ Gummies come in three delicious varieties including Probiotic Duo, Probiotic+ Prebiotic, and Probiotic+ Immune, all of which are available at Amazon and Jarrow.com.
3. Find ways to reduce stress
“Stress of all types may affect the digestive process,” says Babal. “Weakened digestion may compromise your gut lining, and a ‘leaky gut’ can allow undigested food to pass into your bloodstream, which may trigger food allergies and stress the immune system.”
To reduce stress, try mindfulness techniques, meditation or yoga. During stressful times, it also helps to eat mindfully. Slow down and give yourself time to taste and enjoy your food.
4. Include gut-friendly ingredients in everyday recipes
To make your favorite recipes more gut-friendly, Babal advises including digestive herbs like peppermint, cinnamon and ginger. You can also sip digestive herb tea before and while eating to help improve digestion and soothe the stomach.
5. Add immune-enhancing foods to your weekly shopping list
You may be familiar with the health benefits of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and kale, but it’s also important to get variety in your diet.
“My under-the-radar cruciferous vegetable recommendation is the turnip, which was once an integral part of southern U.S. cuisine,” says Babal. “Turnips are usually diced and boiled. They’re great in soups, or mashed and added to mashed potatoes. Turnip greens are higher in nutritional value than the roots, so try them in salads. They also taste great sautéed with lemon juice and cayenne pepper.”
With these simple tips, it will be easier than ever to keep your gut health and wellness top of mind this year.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
†Ratings based on results of the 2021 ConsumerLab.com Survey of Supplement Users. More information at www.consumerlab.com/survey.
1 Jarrow Formulas Google Survey of 680 U.S. consumers aged 18+ fielded December 2 – December 4, 2021.
2 Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L, Di Cara G, Frati F. Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008;153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):3-6. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x