Improve digestion with these 8 lifestyle changes to keep your gut microbiome healthy

A diverse gut microbiome is considered healthy, as it supports digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall well-being. (Image: Canva)

Gut microbiome diversity refers to the variety and abundance of different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, living in the human digestive tract. A diverse gut microbiome is considered healthy, as it supports digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall well-being. Each microbe has a specific role, from breaking down complex carbohydrates to producing essential vitamins.

Greater diversity provides resilience against harmful pathogens, diseases, and digestive disorders. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and environmental exposure influence gut microbiome diversity, which can have a significant impact on health outcomes, including metabolism, mood regulation, and even mental health. Boosting gut microbiome diversity doesn't always require significant dietary changes! Here are some simple ways to promote a healthy and diverse gut microbiome suggested by Indore’s IMR Global Gastroenterologist, Dr Akhil Sharma.

Spending time in nature

Nature is filled with diverse microorganisms, many of which can help enrich your gut microbiome. When you interact with the environment—by gardening, walking barefoot on grass, or simply hiking through a forest—your body gets exposed to a variety of beneficial bacteria. This exposure stimulates the growth of a more diverse microbiome, which is linked to improved immunity, digestion, and overall health.

Even simple activities like working in a community garden or walking through a park can introduce new microbes to your system. Gardening has been shown to significantly boost microbial exposure, making it a great, relaxing way to nurture your gut health.

Play with pets

Pets, especially dogs and cats, are great for more than just companionship. They bring with them a variety of bacteria that can be shared with you through touch and interaction. Research has shown that households with pets tend to have more diverse microbiomes.

Letting your pets roam outside or playing with them introduces new microbes to your home environment and, eventually, to you. Let your dog play outdoors and resist the urge to overly sanitise your home after your pet comes back inside—some dirt and germs are beneficial for your health.

Exercise regularly

Exercise doesn’t just benefit your muscles and heart; it also supports gut health. Physical activity has been linked to increased microbial diversity, likely due to the improved circulation and regulation of hormones, both of which can create a gut-friendly environment.

Fun exercises like dancing, yoga, or even group sports can make staying active enjoyable while promoting a healthier microbiome. Opt for moderate, enjoyable exercises like hiking, swimming, or cycling, as over-exercising can cause stress on the body, which may have negative effects on gut health.

Limit stress through fun activities

Stress is a major disruptor of gut health, often causing inflammation and imbalance in the microbiome. However, fun activities that reduce stress—like drawing, singing, or playing games—help promote a balanced gut environment.

By lowering cortisol levels, you create a more favourable space for beneficial bacteria to thrive. Include stress-busting hobbies like painting, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in mindfulness practices to regularly relax and boost your gut.

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Engage in social interaction

Believe it or not, spending time with other people can help diversify your microbiome. Each person has a unique microbial ecosystem, and simple contact—like shaking hands or being in the same room—can result in the exchange of beneficial microbes.

By spending time in social settings, especially with new people or in new environments, you are helping to expose your body to different bacteria that can benefit your gut. Hosting gatherings or attending community events can be fun ways to engage with new microbial sources. This also boosts your mental health, which is closely tied to your gut health.

Try new locations or travel

Travel introduces you to new microbial ecosystems, whether it’s from different foods, water, or air. Exploring new locations—even if they’re local—exposes you to unfamiliar bacteria, which can help improve the diversity of your microbiome.

You don’t need to travel far; simply exploring a different part of your city, taking a trip to the beach, or going on a weekend getaway can introduce new microbial diversity. Embrace the local environment by eating locally, walking through different terrains, and interacting with the new surroundings to fully benefit from the microbial exposure.

Get more sleep

Quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome. During sleep, your body goes through important processes of repair, which include regulating the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Poor sleep, on the other hand, can cause imbalances in gut health, leading to digestive issues and weakened immunity.

Creating a consistent sleep routine and ensuring that you get enough rest each night helps support the gut-brain axis, which is crucial for overall well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and try to keep a regular sleep schedule even on weekends. Avoid electronics before bed and create a relaxing pre-sleep routine to enhance sleep quality and support your gut health.