Gut health is pretty trendy at the moment, I usually avoid trends BUT the science is pretty hard to ignore.
You may have heard the term microbiome used to describe the gut bacteria or microbial community in our gut. The microbiome is very complex and the science is still new but what we do know is that:
The gut is where we digest and absorb nutrients;
70% of our immune system also lies within our gut;
Gut bacteria plays a critical role in shaping our appetite, allergies and metabolism;
We know that our gut health plays a major role in our mood and mental health through the gut brain connection. Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin (the happy hormone) which plays a key role in determining our mood.
Exposure to many things overtime wipe out the good bacteria in our guts, BUT the good news is that we can protect and nourish our gut by:
1. Avoiding refined sugars and processed foods whenever possible, this is because they can cause inflammation as well as feed the bad types of bacteria and other organisms in your gut contributing to an imbalance of gut bacteria.
2. Managing your stress levels. When we keep cortisol levels down (the stress hormone) your body can digest, repair and heal your gut.
3. Include natural sources of probiotic foods like fermented vegetables such as pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi and miso, bone broth, kefir & kombucha.
4. Include prebiotic foods such as onions, garlic, leek, asparagus and bananas; especially unripe green bananas due to their high resistance starch content. This helps your gut bacteria produce nutrients for the colon cells and leads to a healthier digestive system.
When I don't have time to make a bone broth I use this delicious Best of the Bone - Bone Broth Concentrate. I'll either add 1 tablespoon into a mug of hot water or add to my soups, sauces and vegetables while cooking. Take advantage of the special Functional Health Canberra discount by using the code FUNCTIONAL.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this email is for informational purposes only. Functional Health Canberra does not treat, diagnose or cure any condition. Information is not intended to replace medical professional advice. Always consult your physician before any significant diet and lifestyle changes.
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