Recently, a quite peculiar trend has emerged on social media platforms: the portrayal of “hot girls” experiencing stomach problems as a common denominator. While I appreciate the community that this trend has created for young women suffering from chronic dietary ailments, I still found this to be an especially troubling trend due to the extreme seriousness that accompanies gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer (which is on the rise in young adults, by the way). While it is beneficial for young women to know that they aren’t alone in their struggles, this trend not only perpetuates misconceptions about health but also severely undermines the importance of gut health for everyone and how it can affect your body in the long-term. From bloating to digestive discomfort, ultimately no one is immune to these common gut troubles, not even those deemed to be a part of the “hot girl” club.
The truth is, gut health plays an absolutely crucial role in our overall well-being. A balanced gut microbiome not only aids in digestion but also influences mood, boosts immune function, and even keeps your skin barrier healthy. So, instead of glamorizing digestive issues, it’s time to empower each other to take control of our gut health and feel amazing from the inside out. So, as promised, here are some tips that I use in my everyday life to try to maintain a healthy gut.
- DON’T FEAR THE white coat
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Yes, I know we all wish that we could solve our stomach problems from the comfort of our own homes. However, sometimes a professional second opinion can be extremely helpful, especially if your symptoms are chronic or ultra-painful. If there is anything that I would like for you to take away from this article, it is that a doctor can help you. Don’t push that possibility away from yourself just because you’re nervous.
- eat lots of colors
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While eating healthy can sometimes be a struggle in college with busy schedules, I always try my absolute best to eat a diverse diet that includes colorful veggies, meats, and grains. Try to make your plate look like a painting. If you can, also try to limit your intake of processed foods as much as possible. Not only will adding variance into your diet spice up your weekly meal plans, but it can also leave you with a healthy gut.
- Fiber, fiber, fiber
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Need I say more? Eating fiber has changed my life. I usually try to increase my daily fiber intake by adding prebiotic fiber supplements to my water (which taste like nothing, I promise). Not only does this allow me to eat more protein in my normal diet without getting too full, but it’s also just a super efficient and easy way to keep your tummy happy throughout the day.
- HYDrate
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Drink your water, kids. Yes, this one may seem basic, but it’s super important nonetheless. Water is absolutely pivotal when it comes to keeping that digestive tract running smoothly. Make sure to lube up those pipes by drinking your daily eight glasses!
- Take your vitamins
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Take probiotics! I am very, very serious about my gut bacteria. I take a personalized probiotic that needs to stay refrigerated and is customized to my personal gut bacteria. However, what I’m doing is a little overkill. There are plenty of great probiotics and prebiotics that you can buy for a low price which will keep your gut just as healthy. Remember, pricier is not always better.
- get some shut-eye
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This one speaks for itself. Sleep is so, so, so underrated. No, I will not “sleep when I’m dead”. Don’t be afraid to stay in and go to sleep early. You might be shocked at the difference in how you feel the next morning. Sleep is an amazing stress-regulator, which can seriously impact your digestive system if not maintained properly. So, give in to absolute pleasure and let yourself have a night in!
By adopting some of these mini lifestyle changes, I try to take proactive steps towards improving my gut health and reducing my likelihood of experiencing stomach issues (and god forbid, greater digestive diseases). Remember, prioritizing your health is always in style, regardless of how you look or any societal trends. Join me in redefining what it means to be a “hot girl” by embracing a healthy gut and feeling confident from the inside out.