Insider tips to lose the bloat for optimal digestive health
In the pursuit of overall well-being, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the health of our gut. But it’s fast becoming a trending topic as people are seeing remarkable changes to their health when they just tweak a few things in their diet. A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, promotes gut-brain health and clarity, plays a role in our immune system and hormonal functioning and our skin health. Eco-Diva Natural Superfood Skincare founder Nicole Sherwin explores some practical insider tips to foster good gut health through balanced nutrition and plant-powered supplements.
Nicole’s top tips for good gut health
Embrace plant-based foods
Load up on fibre-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Fibre serves as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a thriving microbiome.
Include plant-based proteins –
Opt for plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, tofu, and quinoa. These not only provide essential amino acids but also contribute to a healthier gut environment.
Supercharge with Superfoods
Incorporate nutrient-dense superfoods like kale, blueberries, and broccoli into your diet. These power-packed foods contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that support overall health, including gut health.
Prebiotics for gut nourishment
Include prebiotic-rich foods such as garlic, onions, leeks, and bananas. Prebiotics act as food for beneficial bacteria, fostering a robust microbiome.
Integrate baobab for gut wellness –
Baobab, derived from the African baobab tree, is rich in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Including baobab in your diet can aid digestion and contribute to a healthy gut.
Supplement wisely
Consider incorporating supplements like probiotics, prebiotics and multivitamins to support gut health. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while multivitamins fill potential nutrient gaps in your diet.
Stay hydrated
Clean, fresh water (NOT TAP WATER) is essential for maintaining a healthy gut. It helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, ensuring smooth functioning of your digestive system.
Foods to avoid
Limit processed foods (anything that is prepackaged or fast foods), sugary snacks, and excessive red meat consumption, as these can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome.
Cultivating a healthy gut is a holistic journey that involves mindful eating and incorporating gut-friendly foods and supplements into your lifestyle. By adopting a plant-based diet rich in fibre, plant-based proteins, and superfoods, along with strategic supplementation, you can foster a diverse and thriving gut microbiome, laying the foundation for overall well-being. Remember, a happy gut is a key to a happy and healthy life.
For more info on maintaining a healthy gut, visit ecodiva.co.za, @ecodivanatural
Get It loves …
Good Gut Glow – Superfood Beauty Smoothie, which gives your skin a boost from the inside out, and is the ultimate solution for a balanced gut and perfectly glowing skin. Certified organic, delicious and nourishing, it’s packed with a powerful blend of plant superfoods, prebiotics, plant protein and fibre, which promote overall gut balance, increased energy, better sleep, a healthy libido and a glowing skin. R357 from ecodiva.co.za
Beat the bloat! Kiko Vitals Debloat + Gut Glow is an all-natural vitamin, packed with organic fruit enzymes and calming anti-inflammatory ingredients. This blend of five herbs and a fruit-based digestive enzyme targets every possible cause for bloating. Besides alleviating bloating, it also reduces water retention and puffiness, aids digestion and soothes cramps, supports gut health, speeds food break down and prevents gas. Plus, it works really fast! R480 for 60 capsules from kikovitals.com
The two-in-one Kiko Vitals Prebiotic + Probiotic formula works in countless ways, including being an️ excellent source of fibre and a gut primer, helping with appetite control and curbing cravings, improving gut barrier integrity and gut-brain integrity (so improving mental health), boosting immunity, reducing inflammation and allergies, balancing bacteria and providing optimal femme flora. R429 from kikovitals.com
Let’s have a cup of tea. Sweetest words ever. Grace Tea has a selection of eight herbal teas, with ingredients selected to nurture and nourish your body naturally. Drawing inspiration from ancient Ayurvedic science, to harness the proven methods that restore the body’s delicate balance, providing you with a natural pathway to well-being, you can choose from Immunity tea, Gut tea, Heart Tea, BP Care tea, Joint tea, Thyroid tea, Sugar Balancing tea, and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) tea. A pack of 20 teabags costs R180 from gracebeverages.co.za. Instagram and Facebook @gracebeveragesSA