Let’s delve into the concept of gut health. If you weren’t already aware, your gut is constantly communicating with you. Let’s decipher that language as Kiko Vital’s owner, Kerry-lee Taylor, shares valuable tips.
How to listen and understand your gut
Gut health pertains to the well-being of the gastrointestinal system, specifically the balance of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) residing in the digestive tract. A thriving gut microbiome is crucial for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and mood regulation.
Which foods to avoid...
Processed Sugars: Excessive sugar can promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Avoid sugary snacks, sodas, and excessive sweets.
Artificial Sweetners: Some artificial sweeteners can negatively impact gut bacteria. Limit their use.
Processed Foods: Highly processed foods often contain additives and preservatives that may harm gut health. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods.
Trans Fat: Found in many processed and fried foods can disrupt gut bacteria. Read labels and choose healthier fats.
Antibiotics: Overuse of antibiotics can harm the gut microbiome. Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Beneficial ingredients to add to your diet...
Fibre
Soluble fibre from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Probiotic Foods
Include yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha in your diet for natural probiotics.
Pre-Biotics
Foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas are rich in prebiotics, which nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Fermented Foods
Incorporate fermented foods like miso, tempeh, and pickles, all of which contain probiotics.
What you need to know about prebiotics and probiotics:
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria found in certain foods or supplements. They help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
PRE + PRO, which combines prebiotics and probiotics, offers extra advantages:
Probiotic Boost: Prebiotics nourish probiotics, making them more effective.
Comprehensive Gut Support: They provide holistic gut health support.
Digestive Discomfort: Alleviating discomfort and improving nutrient absorption.
Immune Benefits: Positively impacting immunity and inflammation management.
Contributing factors for an unhealthy gut:
Many parts of modern life can affect your gut microbiome, including:
• high-stress levels
• too little sleep
• eating a Western diet high in processed and sugary foods
• taking antibiotics
This in turn may affect other aspects of your health, such as:
• immune function
• hormone levels
• weight
• development of diseases
Simple ways to improve your gut health:
• Lower your stress levels
• Get enough sleep
• Eat slowly
• Stay hydrated
•Make sure you take a prebiotic or probiotic
• Check for food intolerances
• Change your diet
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