WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH GUT HEALTH?

Gut health has certainly risen to prominence in recent times, there’s a buzzword – microbiome – and you may have seen new products appearing inthe supermarket such as kombucha, kefir, fermented foods, foods nowlabelled with prebiotics and/or probiotics. But what does it all mean?

A gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms livingin your intestines (about 300–500 different species of bacteria in thedigestive tract). Many are necessary and incredibly beneficial to ahealthy body. A wide variety of good bacteria in your gut can enhanceyour immune system function, improve symptoms of depression and helpcombat obesity. Poor gut health has been linked to Crohn’s disease, irritablebowel syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity and mentalhealth issues.Dr Elena George, from Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity andNutrition (IPAN) says, “Gut health is not only determined by what weeat and drink, but also by the amount of physical activity we do, ourlifestyle and other environmental factors. But diet and physical activity areinteresting because we can all do something about them.”An unhealthy gut may manifest itself through

:•An upset stomach – gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea orheartburn.

•Moods, anxiety or depression – the majority of a body’s serotonin isproduced in the gut; therefore gut damage can impair your ability to sleep well Food intolerances– intolerances to trigger foods can lead tounpleasant symptoms as listed in an upset stomach as well as skinirritations, headaches and autoimmune conditions

.•A high sugar diet – can decrease the amount of good bacteria in your gut and imbalances cause sugar cravings and inflammation.

Dr George says there are two things we can start focusing on to improveour gut:prebiotics – feeding the good bugs already in our systems; andprobiotics – live bugs that are also good for us, and can be added to ourbodies via food or drink or supplements.

The simplest, cheapest, easiest way we can improve our gut health is by eating foods rich in prebiotics – foods rich in fibre that will pass all theway through the digestive system. Foods to steer clear of (except for specialoccasions) include processed foods, and foods high in salt or sugar.Fermented foods are rich in probiotics and can be found in things likekombucha, kefir, yoghurt, sauerkraut and pickles.

“Always trust your gut. It knows what your head hasn't figured out yet.”— Unknown