Happy Gut, Calm Mind

In the past five years, more than 30 books have been published which focus on the link between the health of our gut (or ‘microbiome’) and the health of our mind. We now know that 95% of our serotonin – the hormone responsible for making us feel happy – is manufactured within the gut.

We’ve all felt the negative effects on our mood when our tummies are upset or imbalanced – and it’s pretty hard to maintain a sunny smile when your stomach is bloated and tender. Which is why it really pays to invest in your gut health upfront – to build up the good bacteria, boost the natural digestive enzymes and eat to encourage problem-free digestion.

Here are our top happy-tummy tips:

FERMENT IT
Studies have shown that the natural lactobacillus bacteria found in fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, sourdough and miso, boost our gut’s good bacteria and help restore balance to our microbiota.

GO GREEN
The polyphenols in green tea have been shown to feed our lactobacillus bacteria too, while the high levels of L-Theanine have been proven to be an amazing natural de-stressor that also encourages more restful sleep. If you find the flavour off-putting, go for a flavoured green tea, or opt for a Matcha Latte instead.

BACTERIA BOOST
If you’ve been poorly or on a course of antibiotics, it’s a good idea to invest in a proven daily probiotic which will re-colonise your good bacteria. We like Wild Nutrition Multi-Strain Biotic, £35 and Renew Life Ultimate Flora Critical Care, £32.

I SHOULD COCO
A tablespoon of coconut oil a day, ideally first thing (in a smoothie, spread on sourdough, or eaten neat) has also been shown to help boost good bacteria in the gut.

DAILY FEED
You can help your good bacteria thrive by feeding them up with prebiotic-rich foods. They contain resistant starch – dream food for our gut’s beneficial bacteria! Naturally prebiotic-rich foods include cooked and cooled white rice, cooked and cooled white potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes and tiger nuts… bring on the potato salad!

The NEOM De-Stress Smoothie

DIRECTIONS:

Mix together a base of:

• 250 ml nut milk
• 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
• Half a cup of oats
• A small handful of fresh kale
• 1 tsp honey and 1 tbsp protein powder

Then blend and drink.