3 way to show your gut some love
The gut is responsible for many functions in the body and having a healthy gut has a huge impact on our overall health. A healthy gut can help contribute to a strong immune system and reduced inflammation in our bodies. The key to a healthy gut is having a healthy microbiome.
The microbiome is an ecosystem made of up trillions of organisms such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi and viruses. All these organisms mean your gut is almost as diverse and dense as the Amazon rainforest! The gut is increasingly being treated as its own organ by scientists, recognising how vital these trillions of bacteria are as they break down food and toxins, make vitamins and interact with our immune system.
The importance of fibre
Fibre plays an important role in our digestive health and is found in the indigestible parts of plant foods. As most adults currently eat less than the recommended fibre intake, it's important that we find ways to include more fibre in our diets. According to the NHS, healthy daily fibre intake has been associated with a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, bowel cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Symprove resident gut-health expert, Dr Sammie Gill shares three easy ways we can show our gut some extra love, including increasing our fibre intake.
Feed your gut with the things it enjoys
Think about colour, diversity, plant-based foods and fermented foods when you do your food shop…
- Keep the skins on fruit and vegetables – it’s where most of the fibre is, and can help to increase your daily fibre intake. Remember fresh fruit as well as frozen, dried or tinned (in juice/water) fruit all count!
- Bulk out spaghetti bolognese with lentils, make meatballs with 50% oats, and load up on different beans with chilli con carne.
- Have gut snacks to hand – mixed nuts, lentil crisps, sliced apple and peanut butter or carrots with hummus.
Give your gut consistency
Each of your gut microbes, and there are trillions, have their own body clock…
- Try and be consistent with your sleeping patterns i.e., going to bed and waking up at a similar time.
- Make sure your room is cool at night, it will mimic the drop in body temperature and encourage a good night’s sleep.
- Avoid screen time before bed, dim the lights, read a book, and do some deep breathing exercises.
Expose your gut to new things
Maximise the diversity of your gut microbiome by exposing it to new things…
- Get out in nature and play in the dirt.
- Spend time with pets and animals.
- Try relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or yoga.
If you have any queries in relation to your overall gut health or how to increase your fibre intake, our team are here to help and advise. We have a wide range of gut health supplements that can be taken to complement lifestyle changes. Speak to our teams today for advice on what is most suitable for you. If you are currently taking any medications or supplements, always consult a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplements.
