The Buzz About Gut Health
Our gut plays a large role in our overall health and wellbeing. Research is linking a healthy gut with everything from a healthier digestive and immune system to weight management, prevention of chronic disease and even better mental health.
The gut microbiome (aka gut microbiota or gut flora) is a term which labels the trillions of microbes (bugs including good bacteria) that live in our gut. They help the body make vitamins, protect us against harmful bacteria and assist with digestion.
The gut microbiome varies significantly from person to person. Studies show that the foods we consume and the lifestyle choices we make play a huge role in determining our gut profile and overall health. The good news is that we are all capable of positively influencing our gut flora. A healthy diet full of real food ingredients, sufficient sleep and exercise are essential for a healthy gut.
Five easy tips to optimise your gut health:
- Eat fibre-rich foods: A diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, nuts and seeds is essential for gut bacteria diversity
- Eat fermented foods: Yoghurt, kimchi, kefir, miso, tamari, kombucha and sauerkraut all have large amounts of good bacteria (probiotics) that our gut loves
- Eat as many different wholefoods as possible: Diversity is recommended for a whole host of health reasons including gut health. Why not add a few new foods in to your diet?
- Eat natural prebiotics: The richest food sources of prebiotics include garlic, onions, leeks, bananas, asparagus, chicory and Jerusalem artichoke. Good gut bacteria use these foods to fuel their growth and activity.
- De-stress: Stress can upset your gut health; just as poor gut health has been linked to poor mental health. Meditation, exercise, yoga and Pilates can all help to manage your levels of stress, thus supporting your gut health. So let’s get moving!
At Carman’s, when it comes to consuming fibre-rich wholegrains, nuts and seeds, we have that covered. Within our range, our highest dietary fibre options include our Porridge Sachets, all of our Muesli & Cluster varieties and our Muesli Bar range, with most containing more than 7g of dietary fibre/100g serve. That’s impressive!
To make it even more impressive, why not include a fermented food to your morning muesli or porridge by adding some yoghurt along with some sliced banana for a natural prebiotic? These simple tips will help you to take the right steps towards a healthier gut, leading to a healthier mind and life.