As a student, I understand how difficult it can be to maintain good health when juggling various commitments. One key factor for overall wellness is gut health – something that has become increasingly important in my life. In this article, I will provide advice and insight on what students like me should eat in order to keep our guts healthy and functioning properly.
A few years ago, I was having a difficult time when it came to my digestive health – bloating, gas, and constipation were all too common occurrences. Frustrated with the lack of answers as to why this kept happening and feeling no better about it, I decided to visit an expert in gastroenterology who could help me get back on track.
Struggling with the common gastrointestinal disorder Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I was determined to get better and began taking steps towards changing my diet despite being prescribed medication. Millions of people around the world suffer from this condition, yet through dietary changes, I am on track for recovery.
Our gut is an incredible ecosystem, home to trillions of bacteria that help us stay healthy. However, when this delicate balance isn’t maintained we can experience a range of issues from digestive problems and inflammation to obesity and mental health concerns – highlighting the importance of proper gut health for overall well-being!
Maintaining good gut health is essential for overall well-being and academic performance. Here are some dietary guidelines specifically tailored for students to improve digestion and promote gut health:
Probiotic-Rich Foods
Incorporating probiotics into your diet can help restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut, leading to improved digestive health. Eating foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut is an easy way to get these invaluable microorganisms into our bodies – for me it has made a huge difference!
As a student, I am constantly on the go and don’t always have time to prioritise my health. Eating fast food or grabbing something quick and easy is often tempting, but these types of foods can wreak havoc on your gut health. Processed foods, sugar, and fried foods can all upset the balance of bacteria in your gut and lead to digestive issues.
Since incorporating probiotic-rich foods into my diet, I have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion. I used to experience frequent bloating, gas, and discomfort after meals, but now those symptoms have largely disappeared. I also find that I have more energy throughout the day and don’t experience the mid-afternoon slump that I used to.
Incorporating probiotics into your diet can do more than just improve digestion – it has been scientifically proven to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, providing students with an extra layer of protection from illnesses. Additionally, better physical health helps promote mental well-being which in turn leads to improved focus on academic performance!
Kombucha is an excellent way to get probiotics into your diet, with its tangy sweetness a refreshing change from sugary drinks. I always recommend Nordic Wellness drinks, who are paving the way for probiotic health drinks. Their site is filled with very useful information on the topic. Yogurt and sauerkraut are also great sources of healthy bacteria – adding them to salads or having yogurt for breakfast can be delicious ways to bump up the nutritional value of meals!
Whole Foods
As a student, it can be difficult to stay healthy amidst our hectic lifestyles. But I’ve discovered that the key to having plenty of energy and vitality is eating foods in their natural state – whole and unprocessed!
Eating a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for my health. Not only do these foods provide me with an array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to nourish my body; but they also help maintain good gut health – something which I cannot achieve by simply taking multivitamins alone. By eating various products throughout the week, I can ensure that all aspects of my well-being are taken into consideration!
A balanced diet is essential for staying healthy, and adding lean proteins such as chicken, fish or tofu can make all the difference. Including these sources of amino acids in your meals will help to keep muscles strong and boost immunity. After making this change I noticed a surge in my energy levels!
Lastly, I prioritize whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. These complex carbohydrates provide a steady stream of energy throughout the day and help me avoid the sugar crashes that come from processed carbs. Whole grains are also high in fiber, which keeps me feeling fuller for longer.
Eating whole foods has made a huge difference in my overall health and well-being. I used to struggle with digestive issues, but since incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into my diet, those issues have greatly improved. Plus, I find that I have more energy to power through my long days of classes and studying.
One of my go-to whole food meals is a big vegetable stir fry with brown rice and tempeh (a fermented soybean protein). It’s packed with flavor, fiber, and protein- all key components for good gut health. For a quick snack, I’ll reach for an apple and a handful of almonds or hummus and vegetables. These healthy snacks keep me feeling satisfied between meals and give me a little energy boost.
It can be hard to resist the convenience of fast food and pre-packaged snacks, especially as a busy student. But I’ve found that planning ahead and taking the time to prepare whole food meals is worth the effort. Check out some of my other articles here and here aimed to help students Not only do I feel better physically, but I’ve noticed a positive impact on my mental wellbeing as well. Eating whole foods helps me feel more focused, clear-headed, and positive.
Healthy Snacks
One of my go-to healthy snacks is carrot sticks with hummus. Carrots are rich in fiber, which helps keep me feeling full and satisfied throughout the day. And hummus, made from chickpeas, is a great source of protein and healthy fats. Together, they make the perfect snack for when I need something to tide me over until my next meal. Plus, hummus comes in a variety of flavors, so I never get bored!
Enjoying apple slices with almond butter is a great way to stay energized and focused, while still indulging in something sweet. Apples are packed full of pectin, aiding digestion and gut health; plus the added benefits from protein-rich almond butter make this snack nutrient-dense as well as tasty!
Eating healthy snacks doesn’t have to be a hassle – with easy-to-prepare options like carrot sticks, hummus, and apple slices with almond butter, you can satisfy cravings for both sweet and savory without sacrificing your health. Perfect for busy lifestyles on the go or studying in the library!
I’ve recently become a fan of smoothies, especially those made with spinach, berries, and protein powder. Not only are they delicious but this nutritious combination provides plenty of fiber to fuel my day ahead – from vitamins in the spinach to antioxidants in the berries that help protect against inflammation and disease, topped off with some satisfying protein powder for energy!
Enjoying healthy snacks has made a dramatic difference in my life! Not only have I noticed an increase in energy and focus, but I’m also no longer feeling bloated or sluggish after snacking. As a result of nourishing my body with nutritious foods, tackling projects and classes is now easier than ever before.