Hippocrates, considered by many to be the founder of modern medicine, is credited with having remarked that “all illness originates in the stomach” about 2,500 years ago.
Therefore, it is reasonable to assert that making improvements to one’s gut health should be placed high on one’s list of priorities. Here are three things you can start doing right now to improve your chances of succeeding in the future.
1. Gut to know you
Before you can choose where to go, you need to have an idea of where you now are. This is especially true with regard to the condition of your health. It’s important to begin by giving some thought to the pattern of your bowel movements at the moment. There’s a “Goldilocks zone” in which it’s usual for people to go from defecating three times a day to just once every three days. Determine, utilising this chart as a reference point, whether or not the regularity of your bowel movements falls within the acceptable range.
2. Know your triggers
It is well knowledge that the stomach is highly sensitive to the external environment. Certain meals, certain types of stress, and a lack of sleep are examples of environmental factors that might aggravate abdominal discomfort, bloating, or changes in bowel patterns. It is essential to have an understanding of the factors that might disrupt a healthy bowel habit in order to successfully develop one.
3. Movement as medicine
Increased exercise has been shown in a number of trials to be effective in reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Not only is this true for the short term, but a study that followed people who had IBS symptoms for approximately five years showed that not only was there an improvement in physical symptoms, but there was also a significant improvement in psychological symptoms. This indicates that not only is there a correlation between the two, but also that the psychological symptoms improve over time. It is not necessary to compete in ultramarathons or triathlons in order to reap the benefits of exercise; the majority of participants in the research engaged in activities such as walking, aerobics, or cycling. Therefore, you should keep those feet moving.
The Hot List – gut health special
A bowl of the original superfood
Bone broth from Take Stock is loaded with protein and collagen, so not only will it keep you warm, but it will also improve your nutrition. Bone broth is connected with a wide variety of health advantages, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “the original superfood.” Because of its low calorie and fat content, as well as its high quantities of protein, collagen, and amino acids, which promote gut health, immunity, fertility, cognitive function, and the health of hair, skin, and nails, as well as joint, hair, and nail health, this is the case.
It has also been suggested that drinking bone broth can help speed up the metabolism, promote tissue regeneration, better sleep, and overall mental and emotional health. Bone broth is also used to reduce inflammation, autoimmune illnesses, and digestive difficulties. It works really well as a foundation for stews, soups, and sauces, and it comes in four different varieties: chicken, beef, fish, and vegan.
From £6.83 per carton at Take Stock Foods.
Soothe your sore throat
If you’ve been laid low by what seems like an endless cold (and if that’s the case, welcome to the club), Pukka’s eucalyptus tea might be the answer to your prayers. The perfume of mint and eucalyptus, which is invigorating, as well as the warming ginger and soothing honey, make this a wonderful remedy for sore throats and coughs. In addition, steam is always beneficial for the sinuses.
Buy for £4.19 from Pukka Herbs.
Mother nature’s finest
Bragg’s apple cider vinegar is a high-grade, unfiltered vinegar that is made from organic apples. It preserves its’mother,’ a living component that arises spontaneously while raw, organic vinegar ferments, which contributes to the vinegar’s excellent quality. It is said to be beneficial at balancing the amounts of acid produced by the stomach, as well as being rich in probiotics, which promote healthy gut health.
Buy Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for £12.49 from Holland and Barrett.
Nourish yourself with recipes for success
Keep an eye out for the book titled The Immunity Food Fix Cookbook: 75 Nourishing Dishes That Reverse Inflammation, Heal the Gut, Detoxify, and Prevent Illness by Donna Beydoun Mazzola and Sarah Steffens if you are interested in creating your own gut-friendly recipes.
The scrumptious superfood dishes are developed to aid in the maintenance of a healthy immune system. You may choose from dishes like roasted butternut and avocado salad with lemon and kalamata olives, Thai-spiced coconut lentil soup, green tea rice bowls with miso-glazed salmon, and passion fruit panna cotta. All of these dishes are grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
The Immunity Food Fix Cookbook is out on Mar 30 (Quarto)