‘Gut Health’ is the buzz term in the scientific field at the moment. We are only now truly realising the importance of gut health for our physical and mental well-being.

There are trillions of bacteria in our gut – a huge community of vital organisms busily working to keep us healthy. They not only help with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, but also influence our immune system, protect us against infections and affect our mood and general well-being. Interestingly, the gut contains the largest number of immune cells.

Our Western diet of processed and fast foods, high sugar food and trans fats all reduce how much fibre we are eating. The bacteria in our gut love fibre and lots of it.

Why are diseases like asthma, eczema, food allergies, type 1 diabetes and arthritis increasing? It may be because we are not looking after our gut bacteria.

Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema which are not responding to normal treatments may be affected by our gut bacteria. An inflamed gut has trouble absorbing vitamins and minerals necessary for good skin. Toxins from the liver can be reabsorbed and the immune system can be triggered causing flare ups of eczema or psoriasis or worsening of acne.

Doctors successfully treat certain intestinal conditions using faecal transplants containing healthy gut bacteria either in a pill form or directly injecting treated faecal matter during a colonoscopy – a type of transpoosion!

In the future we may find good bacteria in our gut that we can utilise to help prevent obesity, diabetes, asthma or multiple sclerosis to name a few.

For now to help improve gut health we need to include:

• Balanced diverse diet high in vegetables and fibre – broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, leeks, onions, bananas, blueberries, nuts and seeds, wholegrains, brown rice, probiotic yogurt, vinegar based salad dressings, sauerkraut, kombucha tea
• Moderate consumption of red meat
• No smoking
• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Maintain a normal body weight
• Limiting non-steroidal anti–inflammatories (eg ibuprofen)
• Control our stress levels
• Regular moderate exercise
• Sleep to help our gut repair and regenerate

Look after your gut bacteria and they’ll look after you.

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse