5 tips for staying healthy as you return to school or work | Senior Living Online Features
“Scheduling time for self-care is really important,” recommended Gans. “Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during your lunch hour or after work, finding a half hour to do whatever you need to feel balanced is crucial, especially during challenging times.”
While creating a healthy diet may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Gans advises building meals around whole, unprocessed foods like fresh produce, as well as adding fermented foods.
“Fermented foods offer cultures — beneficial live bacteria or microorganisms — as well as metabolites and compounds produced by those cultures during the fermentation process,” explained Gans. “These metabolites are part of the foundation for a healthy gut microbiome.”
Examples of fermented foods that may help support your gut health include:
- Yogurt
- Kombucha
- Kefir
- Miso
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Sourdough bread
3. Reach for supplements to support gut health
Fermented foods are a good way to get metabolites as we mentioned above. However, if you want to be sure you’re getting those metabolites that are clinically shown to support specific health benefits, look for postbiotics. Postbiotics contain those beneficial metabolites and compounds that have been shown through research to support your health. For immune and gut support, look for supplements containing the leading postbiotic brand EpiCor®. It is a first-of-its-kind, whole food ingredient that taps the natural power of fermented foods to positively modulate the gut microbiome.