G - Gut Health

Until about 10 years ago the importance of the gut was largely overlooked. It was seen as a tube that started in the mouth and ended up at the bottom and was there to feed us and eliminate the leftovers. Recently science has been shining a light on this area and we are now discovering the complexity and vital part the gut plays in our health from allergies to mental health, skin conditions, digestive disorders, weight management and general well being.

I came to kinesiology over 15 years ago and what lead me in was my own health journey and a lot of that had to do with my gut. Over the years I have discovered that changing and taking care of my gut microbiome can make a massive difference to my own health.

There are literally trillions of different bacteria inside of us – this is known as the microbiome. Amazingly we are born with a unique fingerprint of bacteria and then we can add to these and change it daily and over the years. They all have their own DNA, so its another ecosystem within us and really we are half microbe half human! They are little chemical factories that produce all sort of compounds. 95% of our serotonin – happy hormone – is produced in our guts. 70% of our immune system is housed in our guts. So we should look after this as if it was a garden and give it the right food and water. The best thing you can do for your gut is eat as many different plants as possible. There are studies that are showing that people who eat more plants and less highly processed foods are less likely to catch coronavirus so at the minute if you need incentive this is it.

Plants include fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, wholegrains and legumes (beans and lentils). If you pack these into your diet you will give all the good bacteria nourishment to survive and thrive which keeps the gut happy, inflammation low and everything moving in the right direction.

Listen to your gut feeling and give it some love. If anyone is interested in some reading then I can recommend GUT by Giulia Enders and Clever Guts by Dr Michael Mosley as accessible, easy to read books that will boost your knowledge and give you some great recipes too! Or click here to enquire about my gut health service