The start of Spring calls for a Spring clean of the home, but why not use it as an excuse to Spring clean your insides, and eat your way to good gut health in preparation for the warmer months ahead.

Gut health seems to be the hot topic of conversation these days, and startling new research according to Good Food links a healthy gut with everything from better immunity to weight loss, disease prevention and even a happier mind. Basically, the gut is the basis of our health and poor gut health is now strongly linked to a compromised immune system, malnutrition and poor mood regulation and plays a major role in obesity and arthritis.

So, as we increasingly come to realise that what we put into our mouths has implications far beyond our tastebuds, what better excuse to focus on gut health and modify our diet and lifestyle, than the change of seasons?

But what actually are the best foods for your gut?

PROBIOTIC-RICH FERMENTED FOODS

Probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria) that reside in the gut. Probiotics support our immune system, aid digestion and assist with nutrient absorption into our bloodstream. Probiotics play an integral role in maintaining healthy gut function by preventing the invasion of harmful microbes and can be found in fermented foods which include:

Kombucha
Sauerkraut
Kefir
Yoghurt
Kimchi
Miso
Tempeh
Pickles

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple Cider Vinegar in its raw form, one of the oldest and most used natural remedies for digestive problems on earth. Apple Cider Vinegar contains a wealth of raw enzymes and beneficial bacteria that help to stimulate the digestive juices, assist the absorption of nutrients and control the growth of harmful yeast and bacteria in the stomach and throughout the body. It is a useful remedy for indigestion, bloating, gas and ever heartburn. As a daily tonic, add 1 tablespoon to a glass of water 20 minutes before meals.

New to the Leaf family we also welcome Hilbilby Fire Tonic which is a raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar tincture alive with the Mother of Vinegar. This herbal infusion is a potent immune booster and metabolic stimulant and is recommended as daily health tonic 5ml – 15ml 1 – 3 times per day. This ‘liquid gold’ is a great way to kick start everyday and keep on top of whatever ails you.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS

It is also important to steer clear of inflammatory, highly processed and sugary foods as these foods will feed your bad bacteria and upset your balance. Instead, seek out anti-inflammatory foods to counteract the effects of inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory foods include:

Turmeric & Ginger
Blueberries
Oats
Green Tea
Dark Chocolate
Broccoli
Chia Seeds
Bone Broth
Coconut Oil

PREBIOTICS

Increase prebiotics such as garlic, onions, leeks, bananas and asparagus as these are the ingredients good gut bacteria use as fuel to nourish their own growth and activity. A food that is prebiotic contains ingredients, mostly fibre, that gut bacteria feed on, producing fermentation by-products that benefit health.

Minimise Stress

Your gut affects your psychological wellbeing but it works both ways, so if you consciously look after your physcological wellbeing, your gut will love you for it. Meditation, exercise and yoga are all things you can do to help minimise stress, and in turn, boost your gut, and overall health.

A good diet has always played a vital role in supporting health, which is why it is so important to think about what you put into your mouth every time you eat and drink and whether or not it makes a positive or negative effect to your body.

Still confused? Feel free to pop in store and talk to our friendly staff members who will be able to help you love ya guts!

The Leaf Team