We all have to eat and we all generally love our food! The old saying that ‘we are what we eat’ rings true when it comes to troublesome health conditions that can start with poor digestion and food allergies. Sometimes we are not even aware of the influence that gut health has on our overall health.
The current research focus is on the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome. The microbiome encompasses the trillions of bacteria that coexist in our bodies, mostly in our guts.
Research has discovered how important the microbiome is for keeping us well. Gut bacteria break down and feed off fibre, help make important immune chemicals to prevent allergies and strengthen immunity, and can also make neurotransmitters that help our brains maintain a healthy mood.
So treating the microbiome as an important part of our wellbeing means feeding it properly too. With the wrong type of fuel, such as sugar and processed foods, overfermentation can occur causing bloating, wind, and issues with bowel movements.
Other signs the microbiome is out of balance can include, skin conditions such as rashes and acne, poor sleep, anxiety and mild depression, and chronic infections.
When you are deciding what to eat, think about how you are feeding your gut bacteria too – fibre from foods such as sweet potato, green lentils, oats, whole fruit and natural yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut.
Generally, the more plant foods, the better for improving your health from inside out.
If you would like to book a consultation with a Naturopath, contact us.
