Have you ever wondered what the secret to overall good health is?
Turns out, it all starts with your gut.
The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of hundreds to thousands of microbial species living within the body. These populations affect our health, fertility, and even our longevity.
There is increasing evidence that the mixture of microorganisms found in the gut and intestinal tract plays a key role in regulating health. It is central to the digestion of food but has also been linked to the functioning of the immune system, mood and brain function, as well as to a range of conditions, including cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
How Your Gut Flora Impacts Health
Gut health is a term that describes the balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract. These microorganisms, which consist of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, help break down food and promote digestion. A healthy gut contributes to proper immune function and overall health.
Poor diet, stress, and antibiotics can all negatively impact gut health by destroying beneficial bacteria. Antibiotics will alter the gut flora for up to 12 months.
Eating a healthy diet rich in prebiotics (foods that feed the good bacteria) and probiotics (live organisms found in foods like yoghurt), getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress are some ways to support good gut health.
Good gut health plays an essential role in our body’s performance. It has been linked to various physical and mental health conditions, including obesity, depression, allergies, asthma, diabetes and cancer. It’s no wonder that many experts are now claiming that having a healthy gut could be the key to overall well-being.
Brighten up your meal
Adding colour to your meal provides essential vitamins and minerals to your overall diet.
By rotating the variety of your fruit and vegetables weekly, you will feed different microbes in the gut and ensure you achieve your five-a-day target. Your goal is to hit 30 Different plant-based foods per week.
Eat more fibre
Fibre feeds the good gut bacteria, and they consume it and then produce short-chain fatty acids (known as postbiotics), which help reduce inflammation in the body. It also helps maintain bowel health because it increases the bulk in stools, increasing bowel transit time. Therefore, avoid laxatives, enemas, and other medicines that change how your bowels function.