7 min read
How To Keep Your Gut Happy
Author: Michelle Yandle, HPN Certified Nutrition Coach and advisor
Michelle Yandle is a HPN Certified Nutrition Coach and advisor
More by author“I’ve got a gut feeling”
“It feels like butterflies in my stomach”
You’ve probably heard these comments before, if not experienced them yourself. ‘Gut health’ continues to be ‘buzz words’ in today’s wellness world and for good reason. A happy digestive system can improve our overall health as well as our mood and general wellbeing. The best part is, taking care of our gut doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
Your gut (digestive system) begins in your mouth. And ends… well you know where it ends. The main role of your gut is to absorb nutrients and water and to expel toxins and other things that shouldn’t enter our bodies. It provides a barrier between us and ‘the outside world’.
A happy healthy gut needs a few things to continue to function optimally. These include
- a healthy balance of bacteria
- a strong immune system
- and naturally, an intact lining.
When our gut is distressed, we may notice a number of things in our bodies including bloating, headaches, sensitivities to certain foods, skin issues, joint pain and even disturbed sleep. Our immune system can also become weakened, and we may notice increased fatigue amongst other things.
So, what can we do about it? Firstly, you should always speak to a medical professional if you are concerned about your health. But when it comes to giving our gut the love it deserves, it’s really not rocket science and it’s often the simplest things that will have the greatest effect.
Start with getting as much natural and homemade food as you can.
In particular, be mindful of including foods that are high in fibre such as fruit, veggies, legumes and whole grains. These provide food for our microbiome as well as providing us with an effective ‘cleaning out’ system thanks to fibre. When we add in a variety of natural foods as often as our budget and time allows we’re well on our way to a healthy gut.
In addition to this, you may want to experiment with some probiotic foods, such as fermented foods. Many of these foods are rich in lactobacilli, a type of bacteria that can benefit your digestive system and health overall. Fermented foods, particularly plain, natural yogurt, can benefit the microbiota by enhancing its function and reducing the abundance of unhelpful bacteria in the intestines. Some other fun ferments include kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and kefir. Give them a go, they are tasty and if you make them yourself, are cost effective as well.
Not only do our microbiota need to be balanced and plentiful, it also helps to keep them happy by feeding them the foods they love. Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut. They are mainly fibre or complex carbs that can’t be digested by human cells. Instead, certain species of bacteria break them down and use them for fuel. Many fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain prebiotics, but they can also be found on their own. Resistant starch can also be prebiotic. This type of starch is not absorbed in the small intestine. Rather, it passes into the large intestine where it is broken down by the microbiota.
Where can we find resistant starch? Potatoes and rice that have been cooked then cooled are great forms of resistant starch as are green(ish) bananas. Green banana flour can also be purchased and is great for smoothies and baking.
Consider some boosters.
If your diet is lacking in variety for any reason at all, it may be helpful to consider some supplements to support your gut. This could be a digestive enzyme or probiotic for example. Good Green Vitality is a great all-around product that Nuzest provides. It has a number of ingredients that help to regulate inflammation and support healthy immune function. They also use ingredients that your body will be able to easily digest and absorb. Not only that but it contains fibre, probiotics and other ingredients to help keep things ‘moving’.
I take mine daily with a couple of scoops of Nuzest Smooth Vanilla Clean Lean Protein (also very easy to digest) shaken or stirred with water.
Be mindful of stress.
One of the biggest contributors to an unhappy gut - surprisingly (or not so surprisingly?) is daily stress in our lives. Even a stressful or rushed eating experience can have a greater impact on bloating than the food we’ve eaten (and no doubt blamed the bloat on). There are lots of ways to reduce stress in our lives and what works for one person may not work for everyone, but it’s important to understand the impact stress has on our digestive system so we can be mindful of our daily stresses and take active steps, when we’re aware of stress, to reduce the feelings of stress in our bodies. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths when we feel that anxious feeling in our tummy or trying to go to bed a little bit earlier tonight.
And so, while you don’t need fancy food products and expensive supplements to keep your digestive system happy, a variety of natural foods, stress reduction and a few boosters such as Good Green Vitality and Clean Lean Protein can make a big difference overall.
The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is general advice. It should not, nor is it intended to be, relied on as a substitute for individual medical advice or care. If the contents of this, or any other of the blogs in this series raises any concerns or questions regarding your health, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Related news
min read
6 Things You Need To Know About The Keto Diet
6 things you need to know about the keto diet.
min read
Raising Gluten Free Kids
You find out your child is allergic to gluten.... now what?! It can be a shock to your routine, but don't worry, we got your back!
min read
Go Hard Or Go Home - An Interview With Eroni Leilua
Eroni Leilua, Samoan Sailing Champion and 2020 Olympian.
min read
Your Simple Get-Started Guide for Gluten-Free Living
New to the gluten gang? Scroll down to learn the basics of living a gluten free life.
min read
Why Aren't You Recovering From Sickness?
Some of us are a bit too eager to jump back into things after being sick, but this isn't always the best for your recovery.
min read
How To Get Rid Of Stress With Nutrition
Good Green Vitality conatins vitamins, minerals, and vital nutrients to further support your body's ability to manage stress, and increase your energy levels throughout the day.
min read
The Best Protein Bliss Ball Recipes
The most delicious protein bliss balls. Made with Nuzest.
min read
How to Kick Start Your Energy
Top tips on how to fight fatigue and get your energy back on track.
min read
The Best Protein Pancake Recipes
The best protein pancakes ever! Made with Nuzest Clean Lean Protein and Kids Good Stuff.
min read
Top 10 Best Protein Porridge Recipes
A list of our favourite porridge recipes of all time, using Nuzest products.
min read
All You Need To Know About Pea Protein & Pea Protein Benefits
Everything you need to know about Pea Protein Powder and it's benefits.
min read
International Women's Day - Tips for Womens Health
Top tips for supporting your health as a women.
min read
How to cope in times of sickness
There is so much information about preventing yourself from getting sick, but what about when we do get sick? It is bound to happen at some point, so it's good to also prepare yourself for times of sickness.
min read
Veganuary - Tips for adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
Benefits of adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
min read
An Interview With Claudia Kelly
We sat down with Claudia Kelly to chat about her life as a New Zealand athlete.
min read
Top Tips For Mindful Eating Over The Holidays - Less Stressed, More Blessed"
6 tips for a happier and healthier holiday.
min read
Kids Good Stuff for Brain Health
Key nutrients in Kids Good Stuff to support brain health in kids.
min read
How Can Something So Small, Be So Nutritious?
Why I’m loving the new Good Green Vitality bars – a personal review by Michelle Yandle
min read
End The Food Fight - How To Work With Picky Eaters
Would you describe your child as a fussy eater? Are mealtimes stressful? Do you worry that your child isn’t getting enough nutritionally? Let's end the food fight!
min read
The Importance Of Protein For Hair, Skin & Nails
There is often an emphasis placed on taking care of your hair, skin and nails from the outside, but what about nourishing from within?
min read
The Link Between Gut Health & Skin
Did you know that the health of your gut can affect the health of your skin? The word 'microbiota' refers to the group of beneficial, and pathogenic micro-organisms found in a fixed environment, like the gut. In this blog, we explore the link between gut health and skin health
min read
Kids Good Stuff for Skin Health
How can you ensure your kids have healthy skin? A part from the obvious, what nutrients can we provide our kids to ensure their skin stays in tip top shape?
min read
Why Is Protein So Important As We Age?
Humans are living longer and longer. How excellent is that? However, if we are not taking care of our bodies the best we can, our bodies may struggle to perform their best as body composition begins to change as we grow older.
min read
The Brain Boosting Benefits of Panax Ginseng
Ginseng, an herbal medicine in widespread use globally, is one ingredient in Good Green Vitality chosen for its brain-boosting potential.
min read
How To Optimise Brain Heath & Function
To optimise brain function we must consider the health of our second brain – the gut! But how do we make sure we are feeding our gut the right nutrients it needs?
min read
Moving Beyond Diets, An Interview With Michelle Yandle
We sat down with Michelle Yandle, HPN Certified Nutrition Coach and got a little insight into who she is, what she does and why she is so passionate about it!
min read
Nutrients For Immune Health That Aren't Vitamin C
While vitamin C can certainly help, there are heaps of other foods that contain powerful properties to keep our immune system healthy, some of which may be surprising.
min read
Protein For Kids 101
Why is protein so important for growing kids? How much protein does a child need? What are the best sources of protein? How can I increase protein in my child’s diet? We get up close and personal with protein and why it is so important for our little ones.
min read
Is Protein Only Good For Sports Recovery?
You may have heard a myth that you need to consume protein immediately after a workout to maximise muscle growth. Is this the same with preventing recovery? Are the gym goers and fitness fanatics who chug shakes immediately after a workout doing so for muscle repair as well? Well we have the answers.
min read
Pea Protein Vs Whey Protein? Why we use European Peas in our Clean Lean Protein
Protein powder supplements aid the supply of amino acids to the body and can support individuals to reach their health goals. They are a nutrient dense and convenient way to support your daily protein intake. Clean Lean Protein is made from the highest quality European Golden Peas and provides the building blocks for vitality, repair, recovery and muscle growth.
min read
Creative Ways To Upcycle Your Nuzest Tubs
Nuzest tubs use #2 HDPE plastic and are 100% recyclable when the labels are removed, and the powder is cleaned out. Recycling is great, but how about upcycling? There are some awesome ways you could upcycle your Nuzest containers, which can be super fun, stylish and save you money.
min read
Dancing Her Way To The Top - Interview With Christa Albert
We sat down with Nuzest Ambassador and Professional Dancer, Christa Albert, to chat about her dancing career, goals and how she maintains her performance.
min read
Good Green Vitality For Energy
So, what is it that makes Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff such a powerful energy booster? Besides the obvious benefits of having all your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals there is a secret sauce to the ingredients in both Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff that gives an extra kick.
min read
Getting Started With A Gentle Approach To Nutrition
Here are some simple steps to getting started with taking care of your body in a way that feels through gentle nutrition.
min read
Nutrition & Lifestyle for Ultimate Health & Wellbeing
Good health is the foundation for our mental and physical performance. It also allows us to be in a good position to deal with health conditions and the many other things that life throws our way. Despite many of us being confused about the best way to shape our nutrition and lifestyle behaviours for optimal health, there are many simple changes that can be made to enhance our overall wellbeing.
min read
What Makes Clean Lean Protein so unique?
All around the world, the shelves are flooded with protein powders – whey, soy, pea, insect, you name it, it's available. So, what makes our Clean Lean Protein so unique in a sea of worthy competitors?
min read
Maximising Mood In Your Kids
Almost 1 in 7 children and adults aged 4-17 had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Amy Butler discusses good nutrition and lifestyle modifications, that can help to reduce the risk.
min read
Long-Lasting Energy For Kids
Children and adolescents are going through massive periods of growth and development. To keep up with the demands of school, extracurricular activities, sports and friendships, kids often need a bit of an energy boost. In our latest blog we break down some specific nutrients for energy, to help support growing kids, and the best places to source them from.
min read
Setting Health Goals & Staying Motivated in 2021
Use this tried and tested goal strategy to set smaller, specific goals to avoid the overwhelm of unrealistic and vague health objectives.