2. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are rich in probiotics which are gut-friendly bacteria, viruses and protozoa that contribute to the collection of bugs in our guts collectively known as the microbiota. A healthy gut has a thriving microbiota and it’s now becoming one of the most studied aspects of human health. Studies have linked a healthy gut to everything from healthy digestion, to good immunity and even good mental health.
A healthy gut also helps to protect us against chronic inflammation which can lead to chronic lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and crucially, weight gain and obesity. A thriving microbiota leads to better cognitive function and mental health as two thirds of our happy hormones, such as the endorphin and the serotonin, are manufactured in the gut.
Fermented foods include kombucha, kefir, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, pickles and tempeh. They’re often inexpensive and easy to incorporate into meals. There is also scientific evidence that fermented foods can help reduce sugar cravings. This is due to the probiotics improving glycaemic control in the body which may be beneficial for diabetes management.
Fermented foods are especially efficient when combined with probiotic supplements, and can help the gut recover from a course of antibiotics which can kill healthy bacteria as well as the pathogenic bacteria they’re treating.
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