You Are What You Digest

“The gut and the trillions of bacteria it houses are critical for digestion. Ensuring our body can absorb the essential nutrients from our food is vital for every aspect of our health. If you don’t digest your food properly, it can cause problems with mental health, libido, mood, immunity and energy levels. Most guys don’t realise a healthy gut can boost attention span, productivity and sleep, not just help with regular and improved digestion. When it comes to digestion, the best thing you can do is help the digestive process, which starts long before you’ve eaten. When you think about food, look at food or smell something cooking, this helps secrete digestive enzymes from the stomach, which kickstart digestion. If you’re distracted when you eat, you risk missing this important stage of digestion” – Dr Sunni Patel, nutrition specialist

It’s Not All About Protein

“One of the most common mistakes guys make when it comes to gut health is overdoing protein at the expense of fresh, colourful fruits and vegetables. Although protein is a key nutritional component, you also need wholegrain carbs, healthy fats and a number of different micronutrients for a healthy gut. And while meal prepping and batch cooking is great, it does mean you’re eating the same meals – and therefore the same nutrients – for days on end. Remember, a healthy gut is all about diversity. By adding variety and different ingredients to your core recipes you’ll add fibre and a range of plant nutrients to feed your gut.” – Sunni

The Signs May Not Be Obvious

“There may be clear signs your gut could do with a little TLC. Bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea and constipation are relatively common complaints that could be improved with the help of diet and lifestyle changes. Some of the lesser-known signs that could be ameliorated by gut support include lethargy, skin complaints, brain fog, food intolerances, frequent coughs and colds, hayfever symptoms and headaches.” – Kim

Patience Is Key

“Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same goes for your gut. Early studies have shown that making changes to the diet can change the microbiome in as little as four to seven days. However, given there are 100 trillion bacteria in the gut, consistency is key for long-term results. By adopting a balanced diet and exercising, resting and reducing stress, you will impact your gut within a week. Within 28 days, the effects will be significant, with the most marked improvements seen at the three-month mark.” – Sunni

Start With A Probiotic: “There are dozens of different strains of probiotics, but some – such as saccharomyces boulardii – can help heal the gut. This species has been shown to be effective in eradicating potential pathogenic and unhelpful microbes. If you’re having problems with your gut health, start with this.” – Kim 

Eat The Rainbow: “Aim to eat 30 different plant foods each week – including fruits, vegetables, nuts, pulses, legumes, fresh herbs and spices. Eating at least 30 plant foods each week has been shown to have a positive effect on the gut microbiome. Adding brightly coloured fruits and vegetables to your diet will increase your intake of antioxidants, which have been shown to be beneficial for the gut.” – Sunni 

Reduce Processed Foods: “Added sugars, trans fats, emulsifiers, additives and preservatives, along with lower-quality ingredients can have a negative impact on the gut. Cut back where you can.” – Sunni 

Try Unfamiliar Foods: “A happy gut is all about diversity. Try choosing one new fruit or veg each week that you don’t usually eat. Unfamiliar grains, pulses and rice are also great – microwavable grains are a good place to start.” – Sophie

Learn To Manage Stress: “There’s a direct link between your brain and your gut. Being stressed can profoundly affect gut health. Find what works for you – it could be walking, swimming, reading, guided meditation or yoga. We’re all different.” – Sophie 

Incorporate Fermented Foods: “Kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, tofu, live yoghurt and miso are all rich in probiotics. Fermented foods provide the gut with beneficial bacteria known to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.” – Kim 

Load Up On Polyphenols: “Polyphenols are organic compounds found primarily in plants that have been linked to better gut health. They are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs and spices, dark chocolate, berries, flaxseeds, olive oil, wholegrains and coffee are all great sources.” – Kim 

Stick To A Routine: “Timing meals and snacks effectively will support regular digestion. Heartburn, indigestion, constipation and bloating are signs your eating pattern is out of kilter. Stick to regular mealtimes and prioritise good-quality protein and fats earlier in the day. Consuming heavy meals later in the day can be taxing on the gut.” – Kim 

Work On Your Sleep: “The relationship between the gut microbiome and sleep seems to be bidirectional, with the microbiome affecting sleep, but also, sleep deprivation shown to alter the microbiome. Go to bed and wake at similar times every day (even at weekends) and avoid bright screens in the evening.” – Kim

For more information visit DishDashDeets.com, Bio-Kult.com & CityDietitians.co.uk

DISCLAIMER: Features published by SLMan are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.