Trying to maintain a healthy gut is more than just being slim. A lot of people focus on the weight loss aspect of their diet and wellness. But it is so much more than just weight. Yes, you are healthier if you are thinner, compared to someone who is heavier. But you are not healthy just because you are thin. Gut health is about the things that you are putting into your body, be it food, drink or other substances. It is about wellness habits, not just eating less.
Here are four surprising bad habits that may be damaging your gut health:
Spirits
Did you know that spirits are bad for your gut? Most people assume that if you have one or two gin and tonics or whiskey and cokes, you are not damaging your gut. But studies have shown that spirits are not good for your gut, even if they are drunk with mixers.
If you do enjoy one or two glasses of alcohol in the evening, then you should stick with wine. Beer is a mixed bag on your gut, but wine is definitely okay in moderation. It does not mean you can have five glasses a night, but one or two will be beneficial.
Midnight Snacking
Most people are not aware that you may have different microbes that are in your gut depending on the time of day. It is true that you have different microbes going into your gut to do their work late at night. If you are the type of person who snacks at midnight, you should know that you may be harming the natural cycle of food processing and digestion that goes on inside your body.
Non-Dairy Milk
Yes, it is better to have non-dairy milk if you care about the environment and animals. But it does not mean that all non-dairy milks are good for your gut. You have to look at nut milk and what impact it could have on your body.
The issue with a lot of non-dairy milk is that manufacturers will add emulsifiers to the mix. These emulsifiers are not good for your gut at all. Think of it as adding soap into your body, where it definitely does not belong. Make sure you are paying clear attention to the label for nut milks before you add them to your daily routine.
Mouthwash
We assume that brushing and flossing should be accompanied by mouthwash every single day. But the truth is that some brands are not very good for your body. These commercial mouthwash brands could be hurting the flora in your gut, even if you are spitting them out after swishing it through your mouth.
The reason is because they have an impact on your oral microbiomes, which will in turn have an impact on your gut microbiomes. Be sure that you talk to your dentist about the brand of mouthwash that is safe for you to use for gut and oral health!
Now that you are aware of these four surprisingly negative habits that impact your gut health, you can make some positive changes to your lifestyle. It is not easy to give up the habits that become a part of your life, but it can make a huge impact on your wellness in the long term.