Love yourself from the inside out
How often do you wake up in the morning and feel sluggish or wish you could roll over and hit snooze on your alarm? All to often we blame the weather, or poor sleep on our mood and how we are feeling, yet believe it or not, your gut plays a key part in how we are feeling.
By looking after yourself on the inside you are reaping the rewards on the outside. If you are feeling healthy and full of energy on the inside your are going to radiate energy and positivity on the outside.
Just like we would use an SPF to protect our skin from harmful rays, we need to be protecting our insides from harmful bacteria.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeast, that are beneficial to not only our general health but more specifically our digestive system. Probiotics can help maintain and restore the balance of the gut microbiota. They are often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria. Probiotics can be found in various fermented foods and dietary supplements.
What foods contain probiotics?
Yogurt: Contains live cultures of bacteria like Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, as well as additional strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium.
Kimchi: A Korean dish made from fermented vegetables, such as cabbage and radishes, often containing Lactobacillus bacteria.
Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage, usually containing Lactobacillus strains.
Pickles: Fermented cucumbers or other vegetables, usually containing Lactobacillus.
Fermented Cheeses: Certain cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, and cottage cheese, can contain probiotic strains.
Probiotics and our health
Probiotics play an important role in our general health, and more so in looking after our gut health and overall immune system function. Our bodies need probiotics to;
Aid digestive health: By breaking down complex carbohydrates and producing enzymes that help with nutrient absorption. They can also help alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, and constipation.
Support our Immune System: A significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut. Probiotics play a role in supporting the gut-associated immune system, helping to defend against harmful pathogens and infections. They can also modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation.
Protect Against Pathogens: Probiotics can compete with harmful bacteria for resources and attachment sites in the gut, this protective effect can help reduce the risk of infections.
Mood and Mental Health: We have spoken in previous journals about the gut-brain axis. Some studies indicate that certain probiotics may have a positive impact on mood and mental health by influencing neurotransmitter production and communication between the gut and brain.
Remember to embrace variety and focus on whole, unprocessed foods to optimise the impact on your gut health.
