26-3-2024
The bacteria and other micro-organisms in your gut are known as your gut microbiome. The bacteria help to break down food, turning it into nutrients your body can use.
Your gut microbiome impacts both your physical and mental health.
Many factors, including the foods you eat, can impact the type and balance of bacteria found in your gut.
Stress
Too little sleep
lack of physical activity
Eating too many ultra-processed foods
Smoking and drinking alcohol
Taking antibiotics
You may be able to improve your gut health through lifestyle and diet changes.
Wholefoods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, wholegrains and nuts,may prevent the growth of some bacteria linked to diseases and inflammation.
Our lifestyle, for example physical activity, good sleep and stress reduction are also good for gut health.
Your gut bacteria are influenced by what you eat. It is important to give them the right fuel to have a balanced gut microbiome.
The best way to maintain a healthy microbiome is to eat a range of fresh, wholefoods, mainly from plant sources like fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts and wholegrains.
Meditation practices, ranging from mindfulness meditation to deep breathing exercises, deliberately induce a state of relaxation and focused attention
Stress is a well-known aggravator of gut dysfunction, impacting gut motility, barrier function, and the microbiome
Meditation, through its stress-reducing effects, can positively influence gut health by modulating these stress-related changes