by Gemma Delaney

Our bodies host a bustling population of microbes, including bacteria and viruses, that significantly influence our health status. These tiny inhabitants, aptly called the gut microbiome, largely reside in our large intestine. The harmony between benevolent and less desirable gut bacteria is critical for numerous functions, supporting our gut, immunity, and brain health. Hence, it makes sense to nurture our gut microbiome and maintain optimum levels.

To conceptualise a master plan for ideal gut health, let’s focus on three cardinal principles:

1. Cultivate A Diverse Diet

Although researchers haven’t reached a consensus on the perfect gut microbiome blueprint, diversity undeniably echoes good health. To optimize your gut microbiome, aim to consume 30 different plant-based foods a week. This goal could be achieved by including different fruits, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, nuts, and seeds in your diet.

Another dietary target is to raise our fibre intake. Despite the recommended 30g of fibre per day for UK adults, the average person only achieves about 60%. Healthier habits like choosing fruit as a snack and embracing whole grain alternatives can easily increase your fibre consumption. And remember, building new dietary habits is a gradual process – make one healthy choice at a time!

2. Prioritise Mental Well-being

The realm of mental health is deeply intertwined with our gut health, thanks to the gut-brain axis. The vagus nerve, acting as a communication thoroughfare between the gut and brain, helps modulate stress, support cognitive function, and enhance sleep.

Routine exercise, stress reduction, and rejuvenating sleep can all play substantial roles in nurturing our gut. Fostering regular sleep patterns, ideally providing eight hours of rest, can significantly improve gut health and mental well-being.

3. Adopt Prebiotics and Probiotics

In the health and wellness discourse, probiotics may claim the limelight, but prebiotics are arguably just as important, if not more. Probiotics are live bacteria, while prebiotics are a unique kind of fibre that nourishes the benevolent bacteria in our gut.

Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are digestion resistant. They also maintain their effectiveness despite temperature fluctuations or long-term storage. Fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, pickles, and sauerkraut are potent probiotic sources while prebiotic foods abound in grains, pulses, legumes, and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements like Bimuno® DAILY offer an easily digestible source of prebiotics to help your gut reach its full potential.

Remember, managing gut health doesn’t require turning your lifestyle upside down. Adding the right supplements, adopting a balanced diet, and paying attention to mental health can all work wonders in maintaining your gut microbiome. After all, the journey to long-lasting health and wellness begins with a single step!

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