Image: New Scientist
Good health begins in the gut
We’re now discovering that the community of gut microbes living inside every human being plays a huge part in our health and well-being. The latest science shows that the more diverse and abundant our gut microbes, the healthier the human.
Together these microbes orchestrate the immune system, influence how the brain works and grows and affect our personality and feelings (New Scientist, Oct 2023).
Research shows that effects may well be even wider, including preventing some cancers.
Our gut microbiome forms from birth, with the first 5 years of a child’s life being critical (BMJ: Dominguez-Bello et al., 2019).
The microbial diversity we possess as adults is pretty much established during our early primary school years.
Microbial diversity is largely dictated by the amount of fibre and polyphenols we eat. Put simply, we should eat lots of different colourful (polyphenols) fruit and vegetables (fibre).
To improve the well-being of future generations, we need to start with children. This guarantees improvement not only in the health of the population but in the health of the economy. Obesity-related illness is the biggest drain on global annual government expenditure (UK £98bn, US $260bn).
“a whole-food, plant-heavy, fibre-rich diet that is low in added sugar, trans fats and processed meat products is associated with protection from depression.”
Kimberley Wilson
Nutritionist and Psychologist
Psyche: How to use food to help your mood
Food and happiness
Although it’s a relatively new area of research, there are lots of studies showing that our gut microbes can directly impact our moods for the better.
Conversely a diet of junk and ultra-processed food is associated with increased risk of inflammation, anxiety and depression.
