Why is it important to look after our gut?

In our gut there are trillions of bacteria, many of us know this even if just from the adverts for probiotic drinks we may have seen, however did you know how important they are to our well-being? There are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria and the trick is to help our gut have many more of the good than the bad to keep our immune system working as well as possible. 

Around 70% of immune cells live in the gut. Each person has at least 160 species of bacteria which are specific to us alone and this is highly influenced by our diet. We need the ‘good bacteria’ to produce enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates, fibre and fats, helping our bodies digest and absorb nutrients and help against the toxins in our system. Fermented foods – like yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir, miso and apple cider vinegar – can help create a gut environment where probiotic bacteria can flourish. Vegetables like cabbage, kale, broccoli and pakchoi contain substances called sulphurophanes that support cell and liver detoxification and provide sulphur for gut wall healing.

You can help, you are in control of your diet so use it to your advantage. 

When you have ample beneficial bacteria, you can experience better physical, mental and emotional outlook. From nutritional sources you will be better nourished, feel fuller, and able to achieve and maintain a healthy weight more easily. 

Let’s hear it for the Gut, our ‘second’ brain!