Your gut is one of the most important parts of your digestive system. Plus, it makes up 60-80% of your immune system. (There’s your fun fact for the day!) That means, when your gut is unhealthy, it can cause a lot more than just stomach pain and bloating. Tummy troubles have been linked to hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, chronic fatigue, anxiety and other chronic health problems. Here are few simple tips you can implement to keep your gut happy and healthy:

• Fiber, fiber, fiber:Fruits, vegetables, lentils and whole grains with fiber break down in to chemicals that feed good bacteria.
• Adios, inflammation:High consumption of sugar, starch and saturated- and trans-fats cause an inflammatory response, leading to poor absorption of nutrients in the gut. Give a boost to your overall health by monitoring your intake of these types of foods.
• Yo, yogurt!:Yogurts with live and active cultures provide nutrients along with probiotics, all of which can lead to one happy gut.
• Catch your zzz’s:Yes, that’s right! A lack of sleep increases levels of cortisol, which causes inflammation and negatively impacts digestion. By getting the right amount of sleep, you’ll help out both your gut and your entire immune system.
• Move it: When you exercise, your body produces a special kind of microbe that produces short-chain fatty acids, which our bodies need for many things, including digestion.

There are so many elements that play into gut health, but by adopting just a few healthy practices, you’ll notice an energy boost and better digestion thanks to a happy gut. What are some other ways you boost your immunity? Share your tips in the comments.