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A healthy gut is more than just a key to good digestion; it plays a crucial role in our well-being and mental health. Understanding the powerful relationship between our gut and brain can help us make more informed choices about what we eat, ultimately leading to a happier, healthier life.
The gut microbiome plays an integral role in maintaining our overall health and wellness, writes Kim Hofmann, a registered dietitian with an honours degree in psychology. An imbalanced and unhealthy diet may cause dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, meaning that there are a more significant number of harmful rather than beneficial bacteria, which may result in inflammation of the gut. This inflammation may cause stomach pain, bloating and indigestion, diarrhoea, or constipation. At the same time, the physical effects of gut inflammation may also negatively impact mood, as you become more irritable when you feel physically uncomfortable.
New research suggests that prolonged unhealthy eating behaviours may also contribute to the worsening of mental issues, such as anxiety and depression, and other brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and autism spectrum disorder. Our gut bacteria depend on what we eat—the more diverse our diets, the more varied our gut microbiota.
By regularly eating a gut-friendly diet that includes a large variety of fibre-rich foods, such as legumes, fruit and vegetables with their skins, whole grains, and naturally fermented and pickled foods, we can improve the functioning of our gut microbiome. Fermented foods and drinks – such as kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt with live cultures, kombucha, kefir, and maas (or amasi) – promote the growth of the much-needed health-promoting bacteria in our gut.
Probiotic and prebiotic supplements may help to regulate our gut microbiome in the short term, but our diet determines a healthy gut in the long term.
This rule is a guide for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. It is simple: Eat nutritious foods 80% of the time and have a serving of a favourite treat the other 20%. If the old adage “we are what we eat” is correct, then why not make sure your lifestyle includes equal helpings of fun, happiness, and a little indulgence every now and again so that you can live your best—and happiest—life?
Abs are made in the kitchen. Sculpt a six-pack with this eating plan.
Using your hand to measure portions can help us track food choices, nutrients and energy simply and easily. This trick saves time-consuming and often unnecessary weighing and measuring, which most people don’t need.
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Understanding the intense connection between our gut and mental health opens up a new dimension of wellness. Taking care of our gut health is an investment in our overall wellness. By making mindful dietary choices and fostering a healthy gut environment, we pave the way for enhanced physical health, mental clarity, and emotional strength.
For more tips on nutrition and wellness, browse our blog, join a Virgin Active gym near you, and start your journey to a healthier you today!