- Health advice
- Mar 16, 2017
Today, more than ever, we are reading about the gut, brain, immune, hormonal and microbiome connections. Did you know that your gut microbiome is responsible for most of your body’s immunological decisions, mental and brain health, inflammation, vitality, metabolism, food cravings, weight and disease management? In fact, it even impacts how you think and feel.
How many microbes do you have?
It is estimated that the microbial cells that make up your microbiome, outnumber human cells by 10 to 1. Your microbiome is essentially a bacterial ecosystem that lives in your gastrointestinal tract. Importantly, one of its main roles is to help break down food so that nutrients and energy can be absorbed. Modern diets and lifestyles are continually threatening the microbiome that lives throughout the human body. That's why, when it falls out of balance, you simply become ill.What’s disrupting your Microbiome?
- Poor dietary choices including fast and processed foods, sugar, alcohol, coffee and preservatives
- Not enough fibre, fruit and vegetables
- The pesticides and toxins in and on your fruit, vegetables and food
- Pharmaceutical medications including antibiotics
- Stress
- Moulds and chemical pollutants
- Poor oral health
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Too much or not enough exercise
- Smoking
Simple ways to improve your Microbiome
- Eat good fresh whole food - a good range of fruit and vegetables will ensure your get the fibre and natural prebiotics needed to nourish your gut microbiome
- Avoid processed foods and sugar
- Choose organic food (optimal) or thoroughly wash your fruit and vegetables.
- Include fermented foods in your diet
- Wash your hands with (natural) soap before putting them near your mouth and before eating (gone are the days when it was more beneficial not to wash your hands)
- Consider a course of probiotics, especially if you have been on antibiotics, had an illness at home or on holidays, are stressed or have a poor diet
- Brush your teeth regularly, plus ask your dentist about maintaining good oral health
- Avoid using harsh chemicals