Maintaining Your Gut Health

When it comes to overall health, your gut can easily get overlooked. With the majority of your immune system located here, looking after it is an important part of looking after your whole body.

All sorts of everyday factors can unbalance your gut flora. Here are some of the big ones to keep an eye out for. And how to combat them.

A poor diet

Gut flora balance can be compromised by eating a poor diet, and also by rushing or skipping meals. What can you do? Eat a healthy diet plan containing a wide variety of nutrients and incorporating a regular quality probiotic. Also, try not to rush your food. Sit down, relax and savour your food.

Stress

Research has shown that stress can cause the gut to become upset. What can you do? Figure out what helps you relax, like a walk or time with friends, and do it. Also, try to plan ahead to avoid pressurised situations.

Food poisoning

Infections with bad bacteria such as E. coli 0157 and Salmonella can severely upset the gut flora and gut health. What can you do? Remember the Four C's when preparing food:

• Cleaning (wash hands)
• Chilling (chill food properly)
• Cooking (ensure food is thoroughly cooked)
• Cross-contamination avoid it! Prepare different foods, like meat and vegetables, separately.

Travel

A number of holiday factors (e.g. dehydration, inactivity and differences in eating habits) can upset the gut flora. What can you do? Try to drink only bottled (not tap) water and peel all fruit and vegetables. Don't eat salads unless you know they've been washed in purified water. Stay active on the plane. Also, build up your ratio of good bacteria in the gut, by drinking a bottle of Yakult every day for a fortnight before the holiday.

Ageing

The number of beneficial bacteria within the intestines tends to fall naturally as we get older. Our immune system also gets weaker. What can you do? Sadly, we dont have any tips for halting the ageing process. It becomes even more important to take care of your digestive system as you age. A probiotic will help top-up the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which in turn supports your body's natural defences.

Click here to join one of our 'Self defence for your gut' plans. We'll give you a free programme with easy to manage steps to help improve your overall digestive health.