Cheat Sheet for Gut Health: Food, Habits, and Supplements

Annie Odrada
2024-08-20T17:09:40+12:00

A practical cheat sheet for better digestion: plant variety, fibre, meal timing, fermented foods, hydration, stress, and when a gut health supplement fits.

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gut health supplement cheat sheet: a gut health supplement is a targeted product (often probiotics, prebiotics, or both) designed to support your gut microbiome alongside food and lifestyle.

If you have existing gut symptoms or you just want to feel more consistent day to day, use the tips below as your baseline, then consider a gut health supplement as the final layer after the foundations are in place.

Let’s start with the number one tactic, feed your friends! By friends, we mean your beneficial gut bacteria, and they love fibre and variety.

Eat the Plants

This one can be tricky. If you’re already dealing with gut issues, lots of fibre may feel rough at first, but a healthy gut thrives on plenty of whole plant foods over time. In her book ‘Love Your Gut’, Dr. Megan Rossi PhD suggests eating 30 different whole plant foods every week. It sounds daunting but it’s only four different types a day: oatmeal with fruit for breakfast, a falafel wrap for lunch, a snack of nuts, then standard meat and veg for dinner and you’re golden. That variety helps your microbiome by delivering different fibres and phytochemicals. For extra points, sprinkle cinnamon on that oatmeal, spices are packed with gut-friendly plant compounds.

Meal Timing and Speed

Your gut tends to do best with regular meals during the day and an overnight fast. Starving and then binge eating, or grazing all day long, can both make digestion feel less settled. Aim for meals that leave you lightly full, not stuffed, and not still hungry.

Speed eating is another common gut stressor. Chewing properly starts digestion, supports stomach function, and gives your body time to register fullness. Even one change, slowing down and chewing more, can noticeably improve how you feel after meals.

Fermented Foods

Your gut bacteria often enjoys fermented foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, or kombucha. You don’t need to go crazy, more isn’t always better. A spoon of sauerkraut with lunch and a small glass of booch with dinner is plenty for most people.

Hydration

Like all body processes, your gut needs water to function well, including keeping things moving comfortably. A 2022 study suggested that low water intake may make the gut more susceptible to pathogen infection. Between meals, make water and herbal teas your drink of choice, and increase slowly if you are not used to drinking much.

Stress and Sleep

Rest, relaxation, and a manageable lifestyle matter more than most people realise. Ongoing stress can reduce blood flow to the gut and interfere with digestion, which can show up as bloating, discomfort, or irregularity. Easier said than done, but consistent sleep and real breaks during the day are high priority in your gut health plan.

Alcohol

While alcohol is technically a plant product, unfortunately it’s not friendly for your gut. Alcohol can lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria and irritate the gut lining, which may make symptoms harder to control. If you’re struggling to get on top of your digestion, try abstaining for a month and notice what changes.

Food Intolerances

Food intolerances can contribute to gut discomfort, bloating, pain, diarrhoea, and constipation. While diagnosing food issues is outside the scope of a single blog post, it’s worth exploring if self-help is not getting you answers. A Registered Nutritionist or Dietitian experienced in gut health and FODMAP diets can guide you through this topic in a structured way.

Take a Gut Health Supplement

Lastly, but definitely not leastly, consider an expertly formulated gut health supplement that contains probiotics and prebiotics (what is a prebiotic? Click here). Not all supplements are created equal, so choose one with a high dose of stable probiotics and testing for potency. We recommend our product Probiotic+. Probiotic+ is regularly assayed to make sure those beneficial bacteria are alive, and it contains the potent prebiotic Livaux. For more about Probiotic+ and Livaux, check the links below.

FAQ

What is a gut health supplement?

A gut health supplement is a product designed to support your gut microbiome, often by providing probiotics, prebiotics, or both. It works best when diet, hydration, sleep, and meal habits are already in a good place. Start low, be consistent, and track how you feel for at least a few weeks.

Should I take probiotics every day?

Many people do well with daily probiotics, especially if the dose is stable and the product is tested for potency. Consistency matters because benefits usually build over time as your routine becomes predictable. If you are sensitive, start with a smaller amount and increase gradually.

What are the best prebiotic foods to eat?

Prebiotics are fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria, found in foods like oats, legumes, onions, garlic, and slightly green bananas. They help by producing gut-friendly compounds when your microbes ferment them. Add one prebiotic food at a time if you are prone to bloating.

How can I increase fibre without upsetting my stomach?

Increase fibre slowly and prioritise variety, not just bigger portions. Your microbiome adapts over time, so sudden jumps can feel uncomfortable at first. Pair fibre with water and chew well to keep digestion more comfortable.

Are fermented foods enough for gut health?

Fermented foods can be helpful, but they are only one piece of gut health. They may introduce beneficial microbes and compounds, yet your gut also needs fibre, regular meals, sleep, and stress support. Use small amounts consistently and see how your body responds.

Can stress really cause bloating or irregularity?

Yes, stress can affect gut movement, sensitivity, and digestion through the gut-brain connection. When stress is high, digestion may slow down or feel more reactive. Simple steps like slowing meals, breathing before eating, and protecting sleep can help.

How long does it take to notice gut health changes?

Some people notice changes in days, but it often takes a few weeks of consistent habits to see reliable improvement. Your microbiome responds to repeated inputs like fibre variety, meal timing, hydration, and sleep. Choose one or two changes first, then build from there.