In recent years, there has been an overwhelming amount of research that indicates there is a significant link between the health of our gut and our overall physical and mental health.
When we take care of our gut, we’re helping to promote the good bacteria within our digestive system. This good, or friendly bacteria will help to stimulate digestion, which will encourage the total absorption of nutrients from our diet, and in turn strengthen our immune systems. Probiotics help to balance the gut’s flora
Fibre-rich plant foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, peas and lentils are all packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre. Eating sufficient portions of these as part of our everyday diets will encourage a healthier digestive system.
Probiotics help to balance the gut’s flora, and in turn can ease some tummy troubles, such as the exacerbation of excess acid.
Sauerkraut, a fermented food which is a rich source of probiotics, is easy to make and can be served as a tasty sandwich-filler.
Prebiotics, different to probiotics, are a form of dietary fibre which also encourage the growth and maintenance of good bacteria in the gut
Cultured dairy products such as yoghurt are also a great source of probiotics. It’s important to choose a yoghurt that has a live culture, so look for “live” or “active cultures” on the label.
Prebiotics, different to probiotics, are a form of dietary fibre which also encourage the growth and maintenance of good bacteria in the gut.
Raw bananas, berries and flaxseeds are all great sources of prebiotics, and can be easily added into our daily diet.
To encourage a healthy digestive system, we should aim to avoid processed and refined sugar-heavy foods, as they tend to encourage the growth of unfriendly bacteria in the gut.
It’s also important to avoid any foods which you know to irritate your digestive system.
Keeping well hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day will help to flush out toxins
When snacking, include nuts, seeds or antioxidant-rich berries, in place of sugar-laden alternatives, such as biscuits or chocolates.
Keeping well hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day will help to flush out toxins which have built up in the digestive system.
It’s especially important to repopulate the good bacteria in the gut following a course of antibiotics, as both the bad and good bacteria come under attack when antibiotics are taken.
Probiotics will help to replenish the healthy gut flora, while also strengthening the immune system by fighting any harmful bacteria present. Quite often a doctor will recommend a probiotic to take once your antibiotics are completed.
Super seed balls
All seeds are rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins. These tasty bites make for a gut-friendly, nutrient-dense alternative to a sugary snack.
50g sunflower seeds
50g pumpkin seeds
25g sesame seeds
25g cacao nibs
25g desiccated coconut
2tbsp maple syrup
90g dates
50g natural peanut butter
Chicken miso soup
Miso soup is easy to make and it’s bursting with nutrients. Miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and is packed with millions of beneficial bacteria. When preparing this chicken miso soup, it’s important to combine the miso paste with a little hot water before adding to the saucepan, to avoid it becoming lumpy and not mixing well with the stock.
800ml good-quality vegetable stock
1 clove garlic
1 fresh red chilli
½ sweetheart cabbage, finely sliced
100g mushrooms, finely sliced
2 chicken breasts diced
2 tbsp miso paste
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 scallions, finely sliced