Our gut microbiome is a whole community of tiny living organisms that live in our gut and help us function.

These organisms control our blood sugar levels, our hormones, and our cholesterol. They also manage our immune system, influence our bone strength, control the calories that we absorb and store, and communicate with our nervous system and our brain.

They are very influential, which is why we need to look after them and feed them correctly.

Our gut bacteria thrive off of variety, so eat a rainbow of different foods!

Don’t think that you need to spend an obscene amount of money on supplements for gut health. Most of these don’t actually reach your gut. Food variety and fibre are the easiest ways of increasing your gut health.

Here is a list of things that have been proven to help:

1. Dietary Fiber: Eating a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can promote a healthy gut microbiome by providing fuel for beneficial bacteria.

2. Probiotics: These are live beneficial bacteria found in certain foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. They can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

3. Prebiotics: These are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for probiotics. Foods like garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, and oats are rich in prebiotics.

4. Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, miso, and tempeh contain beneficial bacteria and can help improve gut health.

5. Reducing Stress: Stress can negatively impact gut health, so managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and mindfulness can be beneficial.

6. Adequate Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, including gut health. It helps keep things moving smoothly through the digestive system.

7. Regular Exercise: Physical activity can help promote regular bowel movements and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.

8. Adequate Sleep: Poor sleep habits can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, so getting enough quality sleep is important for gut health.

9. Limiting Antibiotic Use: While sometimes necessary, frequent or unnecessary antibiotic use can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. Whenever possible, it’s important to use antibiotics judiciously.

Remember, everyone’s gut microbiome is unique, so what works for one person may not work the same for another. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your body.