Nourish yourself from the inside out and your body will thank you for it, says accredited nutritionist Caitlin Reid.
Many of us spend hours worrying about what we look like on the outside, when really we should be spending more time focusing on our insides. Maintaining a healthy digestive system relies on a healthy balance among the trillions of bacteria that reside within our gastrointestinal tract (also known as the gut microflora). Upsetting the gut microflora can lead to health problems such as indigestion, reduced immunity and bloating.
Role of the gut microflora
Gut microflora is critical for maintaining normal gastrointestinal and immune function, as well as the normal digestion of nutrients. The gut microflora has important metabolic functions including the breakdown of dietary toxins and carcinogens, the synthesis of micronutrients, the fermentation of indigestible food substances, and the absorption of certain electrolytes and trace minerals. It also plays an important role in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), major end products of bacterial metabolism in the gut. SCFA help cells in the colon to growth and differentiate.
Microflora imbalance
A poor diet, excessive alcohol, stress, antibiotics, medications and a lack of sleep can all upset the natural balance of the gut microflora. Antibiotics kill not only the bad bacteria in the gut but also the good guys. Microflora imbalance becomes evident with symptoms of abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements.
Improving gut microflora
You can keep your gut healthy by following these tips:
Include probiotics and prebiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, found in fermented milk drinks, some yoghurts and dietary supplements, and are similar to the healthy bacteria living in the gut. Prebiotics are carbohydrates that reach the large bowel undigested. Here they stimulate the growth and activity of probiotics, keeping the gut healthy. Prebiotics are found in bananas, garlic, chicory or added as inulin to yoghurts, bread and milk-based drinks.
Boost your fibre intake: High fibre foods such as legumes, lentils, wholegrains, seeds, nuts, fruit and vegetables bulk up your stools and keep you regular. Increase your intake of fibre gradually and make sure you get plenty of water.
Reduce alcohol consumption: Alcohol can interfere with the functioning of the digestive system and irritate and inflame the stomach. Too much alcohol can lead to heartburn and ulcers. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two standard drinks per day.
Manage your stress: Too much stress can shut down digestion as blood flow is redirected to other parts of the body. Contractions of your digestive muscles are affected and digestive secretions are decreased. Stress also causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal system making you more susceptible to infection. Find stress-reducing activities that you enjoy and include them regularly.
Exercise regularly: Exercise helps keep food moving through your digestive tract, reducing the likelihood of constipation. Include at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week.
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