NUTRITION for INTUITION
Could a healthy gut be the key to tapping into your sixth sense?
Have you ever had a feeling about something that you couldn’t quite shake? Call it intuition, gut instinct or a sixth sense, but most of us know what it’s like to experience that nagging feeling in the pit of our stomach that so often turns out to be correct.
Now, as we learn more about the gut-brain connection, researchers are also investigating how our guts can affect our emotions.
“As [it’s] one of our most vital organs, it’s no surprise that nourishing your gut through good nutrition may lead to positive physical benefits,” explains nutritionist and psychic Anna Boyd. “However, there is also exciting evidence emerging that there may be more science behind our ‘gut feelings’ than first thought, with suggestions of a gut-brain connection that has a two-way influence on our emotions.”
Our guts are home to around 100 million neurons – which communicate with our brains through signalling pathways known as the gut-brain axis. They also produce around 95 per cent of the body’s supply of the feel-good hormone serotonin, and it’s well documented that stress can alter the way we digest food.
Our guts are also home to around 100 trillion bacteria that are heavily influenced by what we eat, so no wonder scientists are increasingly investigating the role our diets play in our mood. Follow these easy steps to keep your gut happy and healthy …
EAT FERMENTED FOODS
“[Eat] a source of authentically fermented foods or drinks every single day if possible to help support digestion,” suggests Boyd. “[Try] enjoying some yoghurt for breakfast, sipping on a kombucha at lunch or adding a tablespoon of sauerkraut to your salad.”
EAT PLENTY OF PLANTS
If your plate doesn’t resemble a rainbow of brightly coloured foods, now is the time to switch up your meals.
“A high fibre diet is associated with an increase in the growth of beneficial bacteria, which optimises gut functioning,” Boyd says. “As different plants contain different amounts and types of fibre, it’s important to consume a range of plant foods to ensure your good gut bacteria are kept happy and nourished.”
STAY HYDRATED
“Fibre, particularly prebiotic fibres, are important for gut health. However, in order for this type of fibre to do its job, adequate water is required,” Boyd says. “A lack of water can slow down your digestive system significantly. For optimal hydration, women should aim for 2.1 litres a day.”
LIMIT ALCOHOL
“Alcohol can throw out the balance of your intestinal ecosystem. If you consume alcohol, make sure you do so in moderation,” says Boyd. “That’s a maximum of one to two standards [standard drinks] on any day according to the Australian Guidelines.”
DON’T CUT CARBS
If you think going low carb is doing your health a favour, Boyd explains this way of eating will also see you “cutting down on the fibre needed for good gut health. Instead of cutting all carbs, focus on consuming healthy wholegrain carbohydrate foods such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, wholegrain cereals, wholegrain bread and pulse pasta.”
CHEW SLOWLY
“Digestion begins in the mouth and the chewing process starts to break your food down,” Boyd says. “If you rush this, your food may enter your stomach before it’s ready, leading to indigestion.” Another bonus to eating slowly? Your natural satiety signals will kick in, telling you that you’re full.
DON’T SCRIMP ON SLEEP
“Our gut bacteria have their own circadian rhythms ( just like other organisms) and inadequate sleep can disrupt this rhythm in the microbiome and negatively influence the diversity and number of bacteria in the gut,” Boyd says.
MANAGE STRESS
We’ve all heard of our bodies going into “fight or flight” mode in times of stress, and this can impact gut health. “This will reduce the blood flow to our digestive muscles and putting everything on hold [reduces] secretion of digestive enzymes, which may lead to gut issues,” says Boyd.