Your gut includes all of the components of your digestive system, as well as the balance of microorganisms that live in these parts of your body. It doesn’t take much for your gut health to suffer, especially when you take a close look at the American food supply and lifestyle factors.
As we enter 2026, focusing on your gut health is a good way to improve your quality of life.
You can make these changes on your own, and when you need professional medical guidance or support, know that Terry L. Franklin, MD, and our team are always here to help you make meaningful improvements in health and wellness.
Let’s take a look at five simple changes you can make to preserve and enhance your gut health this year.
You’ve heard this advice before. Most Americans move through their days in a state of mild dehydration. Water plays a vital role in your digestive process, helping fiber do its job and moving waste through your system.
But it isn’t always easy to make the changes necessary to stay optimally hydrated each day.
You can begin by increasing the volume of plain water you drink daily. If drinking more water isn’t something you crave, try sipping smaller amounts throughout the day. You can also add small amounts of fruit or unsweetened flavor enhancers to make it easier to drink more water.
Restful sleep is an essential part of a healthy life. If you feel tired or sluggish during the day, take action to boost your sleep quality. Something as simple as lowering the temperature in your bedroom or finding the right pillow can go a long way toward achieving restful sleep.
Interestingly, gut health and sleep seem to be a two-way street. Inadequate sleep can trigger problems in your microbiome, which is the balance of bacteria within your digestive tract. But an imbalanced microbiome can cause problems with your sleep.
So pay attention to how well you’re sleeping at night, and schedule a visit with Dr. Franklin if you notice changes in your digestive health or sleep quality.
Fiber plays numerous roles in your gut health. It can help resolve both diarrhea and constipation, keep you feeling fuller for longer, and support a diverse microbiome.
Getting enough fiber is easy when you choose foods like fruit, vegetables, brown rice, oats, and beans. But you can also increase your fiber intake with supplements. Options come in a variety of forms, including gummies, capsules, or powders you mix with water (which also helps you reach your hydration goals).
The connection between your gut and brain is a powerful one. It’s evident when you get butterflies in your stomach before a big event or feel sick to your stomach after an upsetting experience.
Learning ways to manage stress can have a big impact on your gut health. Some people find it helpful to increase their physical activity level during times of added stress, while others benefit from taking time to rest and recharge.
You can also try working with a counselor or therapist to learn new stress management techniques or to navigate specific challenges.
Frequent movement and exercise helps you to achieve and support a healthy gut. Staying active boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and keeps your bowels moving at a healthy pace.
Even minor changes in your daily activity levels can yield measurable improvements. Easy ways to stay active include intentionally parking farther from your destination, taking the stairs instead of an elevator, or using a fitness tracker to monitor your progress.
Many people also find it helpful to partner with a friend or loved one to set goals, stay motivated, and hold each other accountable.
If you’re ready to make your gut health a priority in 2026, we’re here to offer our support. Dr. Franklin is happy to sit down with you at our Monterey, California, office to create a plan for boosting your gut health. Just give us a call at 831-647-3190 to set up a visit.
