Love Your Gut
When we think of the word bacteria, we often tend to associate it with the bad stuff that does harm to our bodies. However, the truth is that there is also good bacteria inside of us, and it is super important for our health!
There are trillions of bacteria in the body, the majority of which are actually beneficial! Many of these bacteria can be found in the gut, and here they have an essential role to play when it comes to digestion.
The bacteria in the gut is also key to how well your immune system functions, and how well your body regulates weight. In fact, you might even say that the gut is the second brain of the body due to how many essential functions it helps to regulate!
As you can see, the importance of healthy bacteria in the gut is not to be overlooked. And, the exciting thing is that the foods you eat can contribute to the presence of this healthy bacteria!
So, what should you be including in your diet to do this?
Plant-based Foods
Firstly, aim to include a wide variety of plant-based foods:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Pulses
- Nuts
- Wholegrains
Reduce Processed Foods Intake
Secondly, reduce the amount of processed foods that you are eating – or stop eating them entirely! These foods harm the healthy bacteria that already exists and increases the presence of bad bacteria.
Probiotic Foods
Additionally, aim to include more probiotic foods in your diet, as these foods encourage the presence of healthy bacteria. Fantastic probiotic foods to choose are:
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Yoghurt
Eating for your gut health is the same as eating for your overall optimum health as the two absolutely go hand in hand. So, be sure to take care of your bacteria so that it can take care of you!