The foundation of your overall health
An imbalance or absence of certain bacteria in the gut can affect the entire body, weakening the immune system and playing a role in all sorts of health issues including heart disease, cancer, allergies, poor sleep, problems losing weight, low energy, and depression.
The good news is that getting your gut back in balance isn’t complicated. Cutting out the sugary, processed foods and adding plenty of healthy wholefoods is the key. Follow these few simple steps to eat your way to good gut health:
1. Feed your gut bacteria with prebiotics.
Eating a range of fresh fruit and vegetables and wholefoods encourages diversity in your gut bacteria. These foods also act as prebiotics – the fibre they contain feeds and stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Foods naturally high in prebiotics include garlic, asparagus, banana, beetroot, sweet corn, snow peas, miso, Jerusalem artichoke, legumes and wholegrain breads. Source foods from your local farmers market for maximum freshness and nutrient density.
2. Top up your gut bacteria with probiotic foods.
There are plenty of probiotic pills out there, but getting the good bacteria back into your gut is easier, more effective (and more enjoyable) if you eat them. Foods rich in beneficial bacteria include sauerkraut and other fermented vegetables, tempeh, yoghurt, kefir and kombucha. The trick is to make sure these foods are not pasteurised (heat treated) as this kills off the good bacteria (many products in the supermarket will have been pasteurised to prolong their shelf life). Sourcing your probiotic foods from a healthfood store fridge or farmers market is the best way to ensure the bacteria in these foods are still alive.
3. Try bone broth.
Rich in gelatin and minerals, bone broth can heal and seal the gut and promote healthy digestion.
– Allie Godfrey
