Improving your gut health isn’t restricted to eating healthier and increasing your fiber intake. The exercises in your workout regimen can affect the state of your GI tract, too. Some studies have shown that specific movements can increase microbes in your gut that contribute to your digestive health (as well as immunity). Here are some of the exercises you can do to improve your gut health. 

Crunches.

Crunches can contribute to the health of your gut microbiome from the outside. They help remove belly fat, which can lead to inflammation that affects how efficiently your gut functions. The best part: since there are so many different types of crunches, all of which can benefit the gut, you can switch up your workout without sacrificing results.

Crunches can contribute to the health of your gut microbiome from the outside. 

Cycling.

Since cycling helps reduce belly fat, it can improve your gut function as well. It’s also easy on the stomach, and can facilitate digestion.

Walking.

Even an exercise as simple as walking can benefit your gut! A 30-minute session can help your gut microbiome function at its best. Plus, walking can be effective against constipation or irregular poops by regulating contractions in your bowels.

Yoga.

Certain yoga poses can stretch stomach muscles and promote intestinal function. Namely, the child’s pose, downward-facing dog, standing forward bend, and triangle pose can have beneficial effects on the gut.

Breathing. 

Yup, exercising for your gut health can be as simple as inhaling and exhaling. However, there’s a specific way to breathe that can benefit your digestion, helping to avoid acid reflux, heartburn, and bloating: Make it a habit to practice deep breathing every day, which entails sitting up straight and breathing through your diaphragm. (You should feel your abdomen moving, as opposed to your chest.)

There are mental exercises that can benefit your gut, too! 

Thinking positively.

There are mental exercises that can benefit your gut, too! Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, so make an effort to maintain a positive outlook and find healthy ways to manage tension.