Did you know that the gut and brain are connected from the very beginning? As an embryo develops, the cells that form the brain and those that form the gut develop side by side and these two organs remain in constant communication throughout life. This connection continues through a network of nerves, hormones and chemical messengers that constantly relay information between your gut and your brain. Your gut is often referred to as your ‘second brain’, so when you have a gut feeling, it’s often worth paying attention to it.
When your digestive health is compromised, it can affect far more than your gut. It may influence your mood, your ability to concentrate, your energy levels and even your mindset. Whilst practices such as meditation and mindfulness can be incredibly beneficial, they’re often most effective when combined with good gut health.
If you’re constantly bloated, struggling with low energy, experiencing brain fog or finding it difficult to manage your weight, your diet may be having an impact on both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Here are my top 5 foods for a healthy gut –
Live fermented foods: Natural yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi help introduce beneficial bacteria to support a healthy gut microbiome.
High-fibre foods: Oats, beans, lentils and whole grains feed your healthy gut bacteria and help keep your digestive system working efficiently.
Prebiotic-rich foods: Onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus and slightly green bananas provide the fuel that beneficial gut bacteria need to thrive.
Colourful fruits and vegetables: Berries, broccoli, spinach, peppers and beetroot are rich in fibre and plant compounds that promote a diverse and healthy microbiome.
Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, chia seeds and flaxseeds provide fibre, healthy fats and nutrients that support gut health and help reduce inflammation.
Bonus tip: Rather than focusing on a single ‘superfood’, aim to eat 30 different plant foods each week. Research suggests that people who eat a greater variety of plant foods tend to have a healthier, more diverse gut microbiome.
Based out of Urban Fitness in Alnwick, Philippa August has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years. Beginning her career as a nurse, she moved into health promotion before qualifying as a personal trainer and lifestyle coach and earning a first-class honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science. She later completed an MSc in Nutritional Science with Distinction, receiving an award for outstanding academic performance. Her additional qualifications include cardiac rehabilitation and GP exercise referral. www.philippaandme.com
