How to Nourish Your Gastro Health Naturally

4 December 2023

Understanding the importance of Gastro Health

Surrounded by our love for hearty food and the country's appreciation for a decent pint, it's no surprise that our gastro health requires some TLC. The gastrointestinal system, or as some prefer, the digestive tract, carries out some of the most crucial tasks in the body, including breaking down the food and eliminating waste. Naturally, ensuring and maintaining the robustness of this multifaceted system is vital for our overall health and happiness. After all, a happy gut equals a happy Heath, that's for sure.

Beneath that expanding waistline lies an ocean of industrious organisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome, hard at work. These lively little fellows play an essential role not only in digestion but also in contributing to our body's nutrient absorption, contributing to our immune function, and even offering some protection against harmful bacteria. A diverse, balanced gut microbiome is akin to Norwich City's football team in full sync - strong, coordinated, and prepared to tackle anything coming its way.

Adopting a Gut-Friendly Diet

Lucky for us, keeping our gastro health in shape doesn't require an expensive gym membership or a strict yoga regime - sorry, Cherry. It starts with something close to all our hearts; food. Much like you wouldn't pour diesel into a petrol engine, the quality of the fuel you consume significantly affects the performance of your gut. Beyond the primary mantra of a balanced diet, it’s recommended to consume foodstuffs that are rich in fibre, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. These foods, in addition to their nutritional benefits, also bulk up your stool, making the pedestrian journey through your gut markedly smoother.

Just like that one time I ate 12 Jalapeno poppers and felt the aftermath for days, some foods are just not suitable for your gut. As satisfying as it may be to polish off Aunt Debbie’s famous Christmas pudding, excessive consumption of fatty and sugary foods can disrupt your gut's balance. Temper these delectable delights with a good range of lean proteins, like fish and chicken, and remember, moderation is key.

Fermentation - Your Gut's Best Friend

Ever notice how, in every culture, there are favoured dishes that involve fermentation? From Yorkshire’s own Henderson's Relish to Korea's celebrated kimchi, it seems that globally, our ancestors knew a thing or two about gut health. The fermentation process involves the breakdown of sugars by bacteria and yeast. Not only does it confer food with a unique, desirable flavor (and an occasional cheeky tickle to the nose), it’s regarded as beneficial for your gut health.

These fermented delights, much like my quirky taste in novelty socks, come in many shapes and sizes. Foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, and kombucha are all a source of probiotics - those friendly bacteria that our guts just can't get enough of. Incorporating these foods into your diet can aid in populating your gut with beneficial bacteria and help sustain overall gastrointestinal health.

The Spicy Life

Just as my Golden Retriever, Cherry, loves a good frolic out in the windy Norwich weather, our gut bacteria also have a penchant for a change of pace; they love a bit of spice. Spicing up your food not only adds an element of culinary excitement but can also tickle your gut's fancy. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that aids in digestion and may provide pain relief, while the golden ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory qualities. Who'd have thought fighting off inflammation in the gut could end up as a colorful, tangy, culinary affair?

Good Hydration is Key

If you're anything like me and sometimes feel a bit sluggish after a Sunday roast or a takeaway curry, good hydration might be your missing link to better digestion. Water behaves as a catalyst in digestion, breaking down food so that your body can absorb nutrients. A lack of water can harden the contents of your intestines, leading to constipation. Nobody wants to feel like they're dragging an anchor after a good meal, so remember to keep up with those fluids just as you would refill Cherry's bowl on a sunny day.

Don't Ignore Physical Activity

Although it might sound counterintuitive mentioning physical activity in an article about gut health, it turns out the two are good pals. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can have positive impacts on your gut health. It can promote the mobility of your digestive system and increase good gut bacteria. So, while it may seem nutty to do lunges with Cherry in the park, think of it as a golden opportunity (pun absolutely intended) to shake up the gut flora and enjoy a bit of fresh air at the same time.

Stress: Your Gut's Frenemy

Please don't worry. This isn't a lecture about eliminating stress. Just like that one questionable sock in my drawer that doesn’t pair with anything else, stress is also a part of life. It turns out that the health of your gut can either alleviate or compound your stress response. The brain and gut communicate bi-directionally, meaning anxiety, stress, or depression can lead to gastrointestinal problems and vice versa. Regularly practising mindfulness exercises, meditation, or even taking peaceful strolls can help manage your mental stress and, in turn, nourish your gastro health naturally.

Regular Health Check-ups

Last but certainly not least, never underestimate the value of regular health check-ups. Much like taking Cherry for her routine vaccinations, keeping tabs on your gastro health with your healthcare provider can help detect any potential issues early on. Awareness and understanding of your own body can do wonders for your health as a whole, not just for your gut.

All things considered, caring for your gastro health isn’t a monumental task. With some attention to your diet, a sprinkle of activity, a splash of water, and a dollop of mindfulness, maintaining a healthy gut might be easier than you think. Just remember, always listen to your gut (literally), it knows what it’s talking about.