How To Look After Your Gut Whilst Studying At University And On A Budget?

As a student, it can be difficult to look after your gut health whilst on a budget. You may have limited access to fresh and healthy foods, as well as limited time for meal planning and preparation. However, with some simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that your gut is happy and healthy even when studying at university. Here are some ideas and suggestions that students can put into practice in order to keep their gut healthy while on a tight budget.

1. Avoid processed foods high in sugar or artificial sweeteners 

Staying healthy at university, especially on a budget, can be tricky. But looking after your gut is essential for maintaining good physical and emotional health – it helps to keep our immunity strong and ward off illnesses. To do this we should avoid processed foods high in sugar or artificial sweeteners as they disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in our digestive system leading to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.

For me, the biggest challenge in avoiding processed foods high in sugar or artificial sweeteners is overcoming my sweet tooth. I love sweets, and it can be tough to say no to the convenience of candy, packaged snacks, or sugary cereal. However, I have discovered that there are plenty of tasty, healthy alternatives that are just as satisfying. I would recommend this post from snack nation. It outlines healthy alternatives for those of us who have a sweet tooth!

Meal prepping is a great way to save both time and money while eating healthy. Instead of cooking multiple meals throughout the week, why not make one big batch that can be portioned out for up to seven days? This method makes it easy on your wallet – and even easier on you!

Taking care of your gut health doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor – with a bit of effort and planning, you can avoid processed foods high in sugar or artificial sweeteners. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables is important when trying to stay healthy (We`ll get there next!), but don’t forget that cooking meals from scratch using simple ingredients such as lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains will also help keep your digestive system functioning optimally!

2. Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds

Eating a healthy diet can be difficult for university students on a budget, but it is possible to prioritize our gut health even with limited resources. By incorporating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds into your everyday diet, you can successfully maintain your overall well-being without breaking the bank!

Fiber is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to maintain a healthy digestive system. It helps keep our bowel movements regular, prevents constipation, and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. As a student, I’m always looking for ways to stay healthy and focused so that I can excel in my classes, and fiber has become a crucial part of my daily diet.

Eating fiber-rich foods doesn’t have to break the bank! From seasonal fruits and veggies, all the way down to a convenient snack like bananas – there are plenty of affordable options that provide essential dietary fibers. Plus, they’re so easy to grab on your way out or stash in your bag for an energizing snack later.

Another cheap and readily available source of fiber is nuts and seeds. They can be added to meals or eaten as a snack, and best of all, they are non-perishable, making them perfect for a busy student like me who is always on the go. My go-to’s are roasted almonds or sunflower seeds which are readily available in my local grocery store.

3. Incorporate probiotic foods into your diet like yogurt and kimchi

Probiotics are an important part of a balanced lifestyle, and you don’t have to break the bank for them! Delicious foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir provide us with these helpful bacteria – which can usually be found easily in any grocery store.

Yogurt is an essential part of my morning meal, and I love topping it with fresh fruit or granola for a nutritious boost. Not only does yogurt taste great, but it’s also packed with helpful probiotic bacteria that support digestive health!

Kimchi is a popular probiotic food in my diet, adding delicious flavors and colors to meals while providing multiple health benefits. As someone with an appreciation for Korean cuisine, incorporating kimchi has been not only easy but affordable too! This fermented cabbage dish contains beneficial bacteria like lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Weissella which provide numerous advantages. In a previous article, I’ve written extensively on the benefits of this superfood for athletic performance but applies to anybody who lives an active lifestyle.

Since I’ve started incorporating probiotic foods into my diet, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my gut health. I used to suffer from occasional bloating and discomfort after meals, especially during times of stress like midterms or finals. But with the help of probiotics, I’ve experienced fewer digestive issues and more regularity overall.

Our gut is a vital organ to our health and happiness, yet when it lacks water it can lead to various issues such as constipation or bloating. Without adequate hydration, the breakdown of food into nutrients slows down, which over time can cause serious problems. Therefore let’s remember that proper hydration plays an essential role in keeping us healthy!

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve discovered some easy and inexpensive ways that help me stay healthy all while taking care of my gut health too! Here are a few tips you can do as well.

Investing in a reusable water bottle is an easy way to save money and stay hydrated. Plus, you’ll have access to refreshing H2O wherever life takes you!

Start your meal with a tall glass of water! Not only does it help you digest food better, but drinking before eating can also reduce the amount of food consumed and save money at the same time.

Instead of reaching for a soda or energy drink, I opt for water. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also better for my health.  I’m taking control of my health and wallet by choosing water over sugary drinks. The result? Improved gut health, regularity, and overall wellness – all without breaking the bank!

5. Exercise regularly to keep your digestive system functioning properly

Regular exercise can be a powerful tool to keep your digestive system functioning properly, even on a tight student budget. It doesn’t have to be expensive gym memberships or fancy workout gear. Simple activities like walking, jogging, or cycling can do wonders for your gut health.

After suffering from embarrassing and uncomfortable digestive issues, I was determined to find a cost-effective way of improving my gut health apart from the proper diet which I am already incorporating. As it turns out, exercising proved one of the most effective solutions – restoring balance in no time!

By introducing a daily 30-minute walk or jog into my routine, I’m reaping the rewards of improved mental and physical well-being. Not only that – exercise can help to improve digestion and prevent constipation by aiding blood flow in the digestive system!

Exercise is a key component of maintaining gut health, as it can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Endorphins released during physical activity help to alleviate tension, creating an environment that supports healthy digestion and prevents bloating, cramping, or diarrhea.

6. Get enough sleep every night for optimal gut health

When I began studying at a university, I was oblivious to the harm my lifestyle choices were having on my gut health. Spending late nights studying, skipping meals due to a busy schedule, and frequently indulging in junk food as it was cheap and easy seemed reasonable at first – with time came an awareness of the detrimental effect these habits had.

Suffering from digestive issues, I knew that something in my lifestyle had to change. Taking control of my health was paramount and so I made a conscious effort to prioritise sleep – an essential step towards restoring the balance of my gut health.

A good night’s sleep is key to keeping your gut in tip-top shape! When we rest, our bodies are able to restore and repair themselves, helping digestion. Without adequate shut-eye, however, the body doesn’t have enough time for proper nutrient absorption leading to digestive problems.

Conclusion

Proper hydration and lifestyle choices are essential for optimal gut health. Investing in a reusable water bottle, starting meals with glasses of water instead of sugary drinks, exercising regularly to reduce stress levels and improve digestion, as well as getting enough sleep every night can help restore balance in the digestive system. It’s never too late to start making healthy changes that will benefit your long-term physical and mental well-being! With these tips, you’ll be on track to improving your overall gut health while also saving money along the way.