Over 70 different chronic diseases have now been linked to our gut microbes. Studies show good gut health can help people not only manage, but also prevent several different mental health conditions, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and so much more.
The biggest misconception about looking after your gut health? That you need a restrictive diet. You do NOT need to just drink celery juice, fast for hours every day, go completely vegan, or cut out all gluten, coffee and sugar to look after your gut!
So put down the detox teas and limp lettuce, and read this…
Instead, nourish your gut microbes with VARIETY and DIVERSITY of plants. Aim for 30 plant points a week (check out my post last week for how in case you missed it!)
That includes fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices. All the colours, all the flavours, all the fibre.
And if you want to have that chocolate bar, that slice of pizza, your favourite animal products- go for it. Just think about adding in some fibre-filled plant goodness alongside for your inner community of trillions of microbes, they need to be treated at each meal too.
Most of all, eating shouldn’t be about deprivation. Think about what you can ADD IN, not cut out. Food is for enjoyment, connection, culture.
Huge thank you to USA Today for spreading the word about gut health in this month’s Digestive Health & Wellness guide. *Full disclosure: a small group of people may have a gut issue or intolerance that requires initial short term restriction which I cover in detail in Love Your Gut – but that’s by far the minority and reintroducing foods is super important!
