Our gut houses an ecosystem of over 100 trillion microorganisms that is commonly referred to as our gut microbiome.

The health and functionality of our gut microbiome has been the subject of extensive research which has shown associations between our gut and nutrition, immune function, metabolism, chronic disease and mood disorders.

Your lifestyle and dietary choices influence the health of your gut, and we can help support a ‘healthy gut’ by ensuring we make some positive choices.

We can support a healthy gut by:

• Consuming a balanced diet rich in fibrous foods including – whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and pulses.
• Choosing whole foods and reducing intake of processed foods which are often high in sugar, salt and fat.
• Include some probiotic foods in your diet such as yoghurt and fermented products.
• Participating in regular physical activity.
• Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.
• Reduce stress on the body.

Looking after our gut health will help us physically and mentally. Making small dietary and lifestyle changes can result in positive gains for all aspects of our life.  Be kind to your gut, and in return, you will reap the benefits.

For more information on your gut and gut health, visit the Gut Foundation

References.

1. ISAPP (2018b). Probiotics. [online] International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Available at: https://isappscience.org/for-scientists/resources/probiotics/.
2. Bull MJ, Plummer NT. Part 1: The Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014 Dec;13(6):17-22. PMID: 26770121; PMCID: PMC4566439.

Article written by Suzanne Aitken (NZ Registered Dietitian) Dietary Education Manager for Coeliac New Zealand