7 Gut-Friendly Resolutions for a Healthier New Year

2026 is officially here, which means now is the perfect time to lock in your resolutions for the new year. While many resolutions focus on fitness, finances, or weight loss, don’t forget to check in on your gut health.

A healthy gut influences everything from your well-being, digestion, and energy levels to your immunity and even your mood. 

Ready to show your gut a little love this year? Read on as Dr. Patel and his team at Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, in Trinity, Florida, share seven gut-friendly, gastroenterologist-approved resolutions to help you feel your best all year long.

1. Eat more fiber (slowly)

Fiber supports healthy digestion, feeds beneficial gut bacteria, and helps prevent constipation. Preventing constipation can also help prevent hemorrhoids. 

Yet, only 7% of Americans reach their daily fiber goals.

To bridge that fiber gap, include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and seeds in your meals. 

A word of caution: increase fiber gradually to avoid bloating or discomfort. Soaking dry beans before cooking them can also help reduce gas.

Turn it into a resolution: “This year, I will eat 14 grams of fiber for every 1000 calories I consume.”

2. Stay hydrated

Water helps move food through your digestive tract and supports your gut function. Drinking enough fluids throughout the day can reduce constipation and support nutrient absorption.

Turn it into a resolution: “This year, I will drink 15.5 cups of fluid per day” for men or “This year, I will drink 11.5 cups of fluid per day” (for women).

3. Check for food triggers

Foods like spicy meals, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, or dairy can trigger digestive symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Instead of eating without caution (and paying the price later), try to find out which foods trigger your symptoms. 

Consider keeping a food journal to identify patterns, and then avoid any offending foods.

Turn it into a resolution: “This year, I will avoid the foods that flare my digestive symptoms.” 

4. Support your gut microbiome with the right food

Did you know that some food can feed the microorganisms in your gut? These foods are called prebiotic foods and include garlic, onions, bananas, and oats.

Turn it into a resolution: “This year, I will support my gut microbiome by eating prebiotic-rich foods daily.” 

5. Manage stress for better digestion

Your gut and brain are closely connected. Chronic stress can worsen bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel symptoms. 

Prioritize stress-reducing habits to help your gut (and your mind!) this year.

Turn it into a resolution: “This year, I will better manage my stress by committing to [insert your desired stress-reducing habit].”

6. Move your body

Physical activity stimulates digestion and helps reduce bloating and constipation. Even light movement can support healthy gut function, such as taking a walk after meals.

Turn it into a resolution: “This year, I will exercise at least 150 minutes each week.”

7. Do not ignore ongoing symptoms

Occasional digestive discomfort is common, but persistent symptoms, such as abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, or blood in your stool, shouldn’t be ignored. 

At Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, Jigneshkumar B. Patel, MD, and Wendi Dinh-Bailey, APRN, can review your symptoms and tests and pinpoint the source of your symptoms, which is the first step toward feeling better in 2026.

Turn it into a resolution: “This year, I will schedule an appointment to figure out what’s behind these pesky symptoms.” 

When to see a gastroenterologist

At Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, the team specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of digestive conditions. If you’re struggling with ongoing symptoms or want guidance on improving your gut health, expert care can help you start the year feeling better from the inside out.

We’re just a call or click away. You can reach us at  727-372-4500 or book online today.