Summer Body Confidence #4 Gut Health

Gut health refers to the small and large intestines in our digestive tract. Billions of microorganisms live inside our gut and help break down our food for absorption and elimination.

Having a balanced and healthy gut is vital if you want to maintain a strong immune system and a healthy digestive system. There is over 1kg of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, which live in our body, most of it residing in the gut.

Maintaining the balance between good and bad bacteria is quiet the balancing act. When the balance is upset quiet often things such as infections, diarrhea and sickness occur. Remembering that over 80% of your body’s immune system is in the gut. Things such as antibiotics, poor diets and lifestyle choices can throw out the balance between the good and bad bacteria. This is where supplementation may benefit your health.

Supplementation with a probiotic (good bacteria) is great if you need to get yourself back on track and back to optimum health. They can give your body the boost it needs to start feeling it’s best. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods such yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir, vinegar, kombucha, miso and tempeh. In some instances, a probiotic supplementation may be required. Especially following sickness. Supplements come in both powder and capsule form.

For optimum health you should include a pre biotic with your pro biotic.  A pre biotic is the food the good bacteria require to thrive within the gut. Foods such as garlic, legumes, greens, tomatoes, bananas, berries, and raw oats are good for gut health.  The same benefits can also be found in supplementation such as a prebiotic powder or capsule.

The benefits of a good working, healthy gut are going to give your body an overall boost in both immunity and vitality.

Goal for the week – Introduce a pre and probiotic food to your diet

Please note: Gut health is very individualised and can be very different from one person to the next. If you believe you may need guidance, then please refer to your nutritionist or naturopath for a more individualised assessment.