Research is discovering more about the important role that gut microbiota plays in the development of human disease. Targeting the gut microbiota to reduce the more harmful organisms, will enrich and encourage the population of beneficial microbiota, contributing to overall wellbeing and better health. Some of  the emerging roles that gut microbiota (the trillions of micro-organisms that live in the human GUT) has on health issues include: These include:

• IBS and bowel disease
• Food intolerances
• Weight gain
• Glucose intolerance
• Allergies
• Cardiovascular disease
• Inflammatory diseases
• Depression and
• Alzheimer’s

There are over 100 trillion diverse and complex microbiota living in the GUT, which includes 100’s of species that live in harmony or disharmony with the human body.  These then fit into 3 types in relation to the effect that they have on the body:

• Symbiotic – mutually beneficial
• Commensal – along for a free ride
• Pathogenic (or opportunistic) – which make the most of any environment to thrive and overpopulate.

When the Microbiota is balanced in favour of the symbiotic microbiota then there is harmony. When  the microbiota gets out of balance it starts to influence the hosts health and also food choices. These decisions are not always in favour of the host.  

What’s Going On?

The balance of microbiota influence food choices, nutrition, metabolism, immune function, and play an important role in human health.

• The various strains of microbiota are dependent on the nutrient composition of the diet
• The greater the diversity of the microbiota, the healthier the host
• The smaller diversity of the microbiota the bigger the food cravings, so that
• Food preferences may be a result of the gut microbiota manipulating food cravings by releasing molecules that influence the brain, changing taste receptors and influencing food choices by modulating human reward systems

 

What Can You Do About It?

GUT microbiota has the ability to change quickly and dramatically in response to dietary and environmental influences. Basically, promotion of good microbiome is essential to human health. Maintaining healthy microbiota comes back to a healthy wholesome diet and lifestyle: Taking a pro-biotic can help to restore the good gut microbiome. Healthy dietary choices will help maintain a healthy digestive system.  

Adopt A Diet With These 6 Important Features:

1. High in dietary fibre, including plenty of green and colourful vegetables and fruit, nuts, seeds and sprouted seeds
2. Include foods such as leeks, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, onions, garlic, wheat (for those who can tolerate it) oats, soybeans and chicory. They are good sources of prebiotics which promote the growth of good gut microbiota
3. Including fermented foods such as yoghurt, fermented vegetables, and fermented milk and soy
4. Drinking filtered water
5. Avoiding processed foods, including trans-fats, sugary foods and simple carbohydrates (they’re the processed ones), artificial colouring and preservatives
6. Addressing stress and any ongoing health issues

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Naturopath Janne Ramsay

Janne Ramsay is a Naturopath at Mr Vitamins. She runs regular workshops on the Gut Connection and understands the importance of good digestion and its impact on health and wellbeing. To find out how your digestion and microbiome is effecting your health make an appointment to see Janne. For a Naturopathic consultation:  BOOK HERE

Find Out How Your Digestion Impacts Your Health … Every Day!

Join Mr Vitamin’s Naturopath Janne Ramsay as she takes you through an informative and fun presentation on the basics of healthy digestion. Discover how your digestive system directly impacts your health. To attend workshop: BOOK HERE