Boost Your Gut Health with These Fun Exercises!

When it comes to supporting gut health, the right kind of exercise can work wonders. Not only does staying active keep you fit, but it also promotes a happier, healthier digestive system.

You know how obsessed I am with my high polyphenole olive oil for my gut health but my oil drinking habits must be complimented with exercise. Here’s how different types of exercise, including the power of diaphragmatic breathing, can give your gut a boost.

The Aerobic Advantage

Let’s start with aerobic exercises—think jogging, cycling, or swimming. These activities are like a cardio party for your insides. They get your heart pumping and blood flowing, which is fantastic for your digestive system. Aerobic exercise doesn’t just builds resistance; it also enhances the diversity of your gut microbiota. A varied gut microbiome is like having a squad of gut-friendly bacteria, which helps keep digestion smooth and your immune system strong.

Strength Training: Building More Than Muscles

Next up is strength training, including weight lifting and resistance exercises. While you’re busy sculpting those biceps, you’re also helping regulate your blood sugar levels. This prevents the overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in your gut. Plus, strength training supports the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy gut lining and reducing inflammation. So, not only do you build strength, but you also keep your gut in top shape! Even if you are a couch potato, you can get yourself some dumbbells and work your biceps. Atomic habits help!

You can read more on this topic on my blog posts titled 5 Reasons HIIT Helps Gut Health and Top Exercises for Great Bone Density.

Yoga: Flexibility Meets Digestive Health

Yoga isn’t just about mastering those impressive poses; it’s also a gift to your gut. Stress can cause disruption on your digestive system, and yoga is a great way to calm those nerves. The deep, mindful breathing and gentle stretches help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Poses like twists, cat and cow, and forward bends give your abdominal organs a gentle massage, improving digestion and easing bloating. Plus, the relaxation from yoga helps keep your digestive system functioning smoothly.

Read my blog post titled How Raising Your Vibration Strengthens Your Immune System.

Diaphragmatic Breathing: The Winner

Don’t overlook the power of diaphragmatic breathing, also known as deep belly breathing. This simple but powerful technique involves breathing deeply into your diaphragm rather than shallowly into your chest. It helps stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating gut function.

By incorporating diaphragmatic breathing into your daily routine, you can reduce stress, improve digestion, and support overall gut health. It’s like giving your gut a soothing, internal hug! Meanwhile, observe if your inhale is naturally longer or your exhale. Experiencing a longer inhale is interpreted as a taker personality, whereas longer exhalers are considered givers.

Whether you’re hitting the gym, rolling out your yoga mat, or simply practicing deep breathing, regular exercise contributes to a healthier gut. It aids digestion, supports a balanced microbiome, and helps manage stress. By mixing up aerobic workouts, strength training, flexibility exercises, and breathing excercises, you’re creating a well-rounded approach to gut health.

Get moving and have fun with it! Your gut will thank you with smoother digestion, more energy, better overall balance and a happier you.