Gut Health
Your digestive tract is a microbiome, and your microbes play a key role in how your body functions. This includes affecting your physical and mental health as well as your immune system, metabolism, weight and even your risk for chronic conditions.
Good bacteria help digest food, keep yeasts at bay and prevent an overgrowth of fungi that can trigger inflammation. In turn, this helps protect against gastrointestinal problems like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
A balanced diet, focusing on foods rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals is also important for maintaining good gut health. This means eating a varied range of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts and wholegrains.
Avoid fried foods, which are high in saturated fat and are also known to kill gut-friendly bacteria. They can also lead to an inflammatory response, which contributes to a number of chronic conditions.
Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and lean protein is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut. This also includes avoiding refined sugars, processed foods and alcohol.
Probiotics and prebiotics are also important for supporting the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Fermented foods like kefir, kombucha and yogurt are great sources of both and can be incorporated into your daily diet.
Sleep, Stress and Diet
Getting enough sleep is essential for the development of healthy gut bacteria. Studies show that people who suffer from poor quality sleep and poor sleep hygiene are more likely to develop gastrointestinal disorders. It is therefore a good idea to prioritize your sleep and seek medical advice if you experience difficulty sleeping.
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