Why is Gut Health Important , do the Japanese have it right ?
Our digestive system breaks down the food we eat, from which we absorb the nutrients that are required for our body’s function.
On going research is looking at the key role of our gut health in our overall wellbeing. Including the links of our gut microbiome (bacteria) and the following systems of our bodies:
Immune and Auto Immune, Cardiovascular, Mental Health, Endocrine problems including Type 2 diabetes, Gasto intestinal conditions, Sleep.
Being kind to our gut can help to make us feel more energetic, suffer from less colds, have less joint pain, reduce overall inflammation, help with skin conditions, help with good quality sleep.
Diets have been studied all around the world with the Japanese diet revered, due to their long-life expectancy and low obesity rates. Is it believed that their diet of fish, vegetables, and fermented food has the biggest influence.
The Japanese consume a varied diet, very few processed foods and litle refined sugars. They eat a wide variety of fish including raw fish, pickled, fermented, and smoked foods, which have been shown to support the gut and digestion. Seaweed is also an important part of their diet which is packed with health boosting minerals. There are many seaweed food supplements available in the UK. Which can be used to add to stews, casseroles, smoothies, soups.
They eat small meals throughout the day, with the largest meal normally Breakfast time. There is a Japanese term ‘hara hachi bu’ which translate as eat until you are 80% full. To help you do this, eat slowly, focus on food, use a smaller plate or bowl.
The Japanese drink Green Tea, they favour Matcha, which is caffeine free, high in antioxidants.