An upset gut can cause stomach cramps, indigestion and bloating – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five easy ways to nourish your body from the inside out. Science is increasingly celebrating the value of good gut health. In the same way that a healthy gut plays an intrinsic role in our overall health – affecting everything from our skin, to our immune system and energy levels – an unhealthy gut can contribute to a variety of health issues.

A major part of good gut health is keeping the trillions of bacteria that live in our digestive tract, known as our microbiome, healthy and diverse. Altogether, these microbes function as an extra organ inside of us, playing a huge role in the way we feel.

Here are five super easy ways to boost your digestive wellness.

1. Eat a variety of fibre-rich foods

Research shows that fibre stimulates the growth and diversity of good bacteria in the gut. Fibre is found in fruit and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, beets, carrots, raspberries and apples, while wholegrains are also a rich source of fibre.

2. Favour fermented foods

Fermentation has been used over the ages to preserve foods. Nowadays, research has found fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir and pickled vegetables enhance the diversity of gut microbes.

3. Take time to unwind

While stress is without a doubt something we all deal with, chronic stress can have impact on gut health. Finding ways to manage it – whether through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing – can help to optimise your gut health.

4. Keep up the H20

Staying hydrated is one of the most important in improving digestion and supporting a healthy gut (and that includes consuming foods that contain water). And that doesn’t have to mean boring – try infusing your water bottle with some lemon, cucumber or fresh herbs. Refreshing!

5. Take a daily probiotic

Probiotics are living microorganisms comprised of good bacteria that help keep us healthy and well. They help us to maintain the balance of bacteria in our gut, which can get out of sync because of ill-health while you can get your probiotic fix from fermented foods like the ones we’ve mentioned above, a supplement can be very handy in providing your gut with an extra boost.