This page contains information on gut health. This is important for your microbiome (the beneficial microbes that make up most of the function of your gut). It is particularly important if you have recently had antibiotics as this can significantly damage your microbiome.
FOOD VARIETY
Try to ‘eat the rainbow’, i.e. introduce new and colourful foods, herbs, nuts, seeds and spices to your diet. Put something you haven’t tried into your basket next time you are in the supermarket.
ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD
Anything in a packet that contains at least one ingredient you wouldn’t have in a kitchen is ultra-processed and damaging to your gut and wider health. Ultra-processed foods are addictive, and don’t make you feel full so you eat more.
PROBIOTICS
Fermented foods, Kimchi, Kombucha, live yoghurts, sourdough etc will improve your microbiome. You don’t need expensive pills.
POLYPHENOLS
Dark chocolate, coffee, brightly coloured fruits, vegetables and berries, whole grains, herbs and even red wine contain these natural antioxidants that are good for your health.
FIBRE
It is likely you are not getting enough. Split peas, lentils, beans, vegetables, pop-corn, nuts, fruit and berries are all high in fibre, essential for gut health.
MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE
The Mediterranean diet and lifestyle is the most studied for health. A cooking culture with whole foods, oily fish, legumes, pulses and olive oil. Eating at the table with family and exercising in the open air.