SELF HELP
HAVING a healthy tum can contribute to a strong immune system.
“A plant-based diet can be great for the gut, especially if it includes a lot of fibre-rich wholefoods,” says GP Dr Sarah Brewer of Curalin (curalife.com).
“But a dramatic change in diet can irritate or upset someone’s digestion, even if the switch is a healthy one. So, if you are moving towards a plant-based diet, start by including more cooked vegetables and soups or smoothies, and gradually increase the amount of raw foods.”
And a humble cup of tea could help too as it boosts good bacteria in the stomach. “Tea has a prebiotic effect in the gut thanks to the polyphenols it contains,” says Dr Carrie Ruxton, dietitian for the Tea Advisory Panel.
“These polyphenols encourage an increase in positive bacteria strains including lactobacillus, faecalibacteria and bacteroides.”