Gut health
Already 2500 years ago, doctors knew the importance of gut health for overall health. With the choice of your food you decide whether you feed your health and fight off disease.
We will put the spotlight on the gut microbiome, all the micro-organisms that are found within our gut mucous membranes. With tips, tricks and facts about this wonderful collection we want to inspire you to take good care of these fellow residents in your gut.
Did you know that our microbiome consists of more than 1000 different types of micro-organisms?
The quality of your microbiome is largely determined by the variety of different types and strains of bacteria and other micro-organisms. We have more than one hundred thousand billion bacteria! The composition of your microbiota is as unique as a fingerprint. Scientists say that there are more than 1000 different species but in rare occasions this can amount to 1500 species. This gives new meaning to the saying: the more the merrier!
Feed your gut to feed your health
If you want to create more variety and quality in your microbiome, the first step to take is to eat as many different fruits and vegetables as you can. In prehistoric times people were eating a far greater variety of foods which resulted in a healthier gutflora. If you are in need of some inspiration, check out our list of fruits and veggies and change your foodhabits! Add some variety to your choice of vegatables: how many different kinds do you usually use during a week? See if you can add 5 different ones this week!
Support your gut by eating fermented foods
Another great way to support your gut is to use fermented foods. Fermenting foods has been a popular way of preserving food for thousands of years, as the refrigerator is a relatively modern invention. Ancient cultures found that fermented foods were beneficial to the digestive system and that these foods last a long time without rotting. Just to give you some ideas of which foods are fermented: sauerkraut, yoghurt, kimchi, apple cider, tempeh, kefir and kombucha.
Avoid these 5 negative influencers
- Unbalanced diet: not enough plant foods, too much sugar and animal foods, preservatives, high fat intake and gluten;
- Medications: antibiotics, pain killers such as Panadol, anti-acid drugs such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), chemotherapy drugs, steroids;
- Infections: parasites, pathogenic bacteria, viruses and molds;
- Stress: acute and chronic stress, physical stress, surgery;
- Environmental chemicals: sanitisers, pesticides, cleaning chemicals such as bleach.
