HAVE YOU ‘GUT’ A PROBLEM? – 5 tips to support healthy gut function.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine said “all disease begins in the gut”.

So many health problems and “mysterious” symptoms may be caused by poor gut health even if you are not experiencing overt digestive issues.

Supporting a healthy microbiome and enhancing the quality of gut bacterial will give us long term benefits for both physical and mental well-being.

Here are five quick things that you can start doing today, to improve your gut microbiome.

1. EAT A HEALTHY PLANT RICH DIET

When it comes to maintaining your microbiome at its healthiest level, nothing is more important than what you eat and drink— so the foods you choose to eat are a crucial component of maintaining gut health.

Research has confirmed that a healthy diet rich in colourful plant-based foods is associated with a richer and more diverse gut microbiome

Try working some of these gut-friendly foods into your diet

• Fibre – whole fruits and veggies, beans and legumes, bananas, apples

• Fermented foods – Sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kefir, pickles. These foods give your gut healthy, living microorganisms to crowd out the unhealthy bacteria, improve absorption of minerals, and support overall health.

• Greens – spinach, dandelion greens, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, Asian greens, seaweed. • Brightly coloured vegetables and Fruits – berries – provide antioxidants and soluble fibre

• Healthy Fats. Avocado, Coconut Yogurt, unrefined coconut oil , oily fish

• Roughage – chia seeds, ground flaxseed

2. DRINK MORE WATER

We all know the old adage of 8 glasses a day, but did you know that staying hydrated is crucial to gut health? We need the fluids to keep everything moving through the digestive system. You can hydrate with filtered water, herbal teas, soups and broths, and foods like watermelon.

3. GET MOVING

Research shows that an active lifestyle improves microbial composition and diversity, so whether it’s dance, swimming, running, or something entirely different, find an exercise routine that’s fun, enjoyable and easy to maintain.

4. MANAGE STRESS

Not only does stress affect the gut, the composition of the gut microbiome itself also has a strong impact on our ability to handle life’s stressors. Chronic stress also makes the digestive tract more permeable and alters some of its basic functions. Adequate restful sleep will reduce the impact on gut balance.

5. WHAT ABOUT PROBIOTICS?

As you can see taking probiotic supplements are not the only thing that enhances your gut health. There are a million supplements available these days and so many different probiotic strains with varying amounts of research. Consult your healthcare professional to be sure you take the correct one for you.

Do you need some help with gut health? 

You can book your one on one consultation HERE.