Go with your gut
How many times have you heard the phrases, 'gut-instinct' or 'trust your gut'?. What has the gut have to do with how we are thinking and feeling? Quite often when people feel nervous or worried, it is often felt as butterflies or cramps in the stomach, but why?
Scientific studies are increasingly finding interactions between the brain and gut microbiome (bacteria living in our intestines), along with the nervous system, in what was previously seen as completely separate bodily areas. This relationship is bi-directional ie. they both influence each other. So how can we use this information to improve our health overall?
All types of things can put our gut microbiome out of balance including diet, the environment, stress and certain medications such as antibiotics.
Top tips for gut health
Diet is one the most important players in our brain-gut axis, and it is no surprise to know that eating healthily can greatly enhance the 'good' bacteria.
- Eat a variety of different foods and include fibre-rich, fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. Dr Tim Spector, renowned expert in all things gut health, recommends aiming to eat 30 different plant-based per week to obtain the best diversity.
- Avoid processed food as much as possible these can suppress the 'good' bacteria
- Probiotics - taking foods which contain live bacteria - think fermented foods (kefir, certain yoghurts, supplements). To learn more about Symprove which contains four unique live strains of bacteria click here
In essence, focus on eating a good variety of good quality food as close to its natural state as possible.
Stress and gut health
Ways to reduces stress include
- a good sleep pattern (for a natural pillow spray click here)
- regular exercise
- meditation
- decrease screen time
Medication can disrupt the balance of bacteria. Taking antibiotics is sometimes necessary, however, taking a probiotic alongside can help counteract the gut imbalance it may create. (At Tonic, we value Symprove and they have kindly given us a discount code of 15% off a 12 week course. Use TONIC15 at the check out on the Symprove online store, we also receive a commission if you purchase using this code)
In conclusion, taking care of our gut health can naturally, improve our gastro-intestinal symptoms but also potentially our overall well-being with benefits to our mental health and immune system.
