The Gut Microbiome and Health Connection
It's true that you are as healthy as your gut. If your gut is unhealthy or you are having a leaky gut it creates a series of health problems. In fact if your gut is not healthy and satisfied, it will keep you hungry and wanting more food leading to fat accumulation, eventually diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension and autoimmune diseases to name a few.
It is therefore very important to keep a healthy gut flora for optimum health. Just popping a few pre or probiotic capsule supplements is not the solution. Getting the right kind of fiber and bacteria from food is of utmost importance. This is where foods like fermented vegetables, yoghurt, kefir, raw cheeses and sauerkraut come in.
Eating whole fruit instead of the juice actually slows down the absorption of sugar and the fibre feeds the gut flora which actually serves to satisfy their hunger and in turn reduce your hunger pangs. Because unless the gut sends a message to the brain that its demands are met, the brain is inclined to keep you hungry and wanting for more.
Try to eat a wide variety of whole foods which include raw salads to start the meal and make sure that the salad is sprinkled with some Olive Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon. Eating processed foods serves to deplete your gut bacteria leading to a leaky gut.
Taking antibiotics will also kill the good and friendly bacteria along with the pathogens and if you have been on antibiotics, it becomes all the more important to replenish your gut with a diverse variety of bacteria to keep optimum health.
Consumption of sugar in any form be it honey, juices or jaggery will have a negative impact and it is important to note that sugar substitutes like saccharin are even more unhealthy. By consuming sugar substitutes, the brain is tricked into releasing enzymes to digest the sugar which never arrives and it then tends to keep you hungry. Eat seasonal whole fruits instead and in limited quantities.
If by any chance you have to be on a diet which is devoid of whole foods and does not serve to replenish your gut microbiome, say on a vacation for example, add Inulin powder to your food which will serve to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion, immunity and overall health.
Vibhuti Misra
Holistic Health Specialist
+91 813 088 2160
0 Comments