Here’s something new: it’s no longer bad manners to talk about what’s going on inside our tummies. Research now confirms that if we pay attention to the health of our gut, we can prevent breakouts, redness, dullness, inflammation and toxic build-up in our skin. Sounds good. But how can we improve gut health, fast?
And what exactly is the connection between the gut and our skin? We ask the experts to shed some light on gut-healthy foods and supplements.
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Here, seven ways to keep your gut healthy and happy and your skin glowing…
1. Eat a wide range of food
Especially vegetables, fruit, seeds, legumes and fibre-rich carbohydrates to stimulate different strains of good bacteria.
2. Get into fermented products
Yoghurt, sauerkraut and kefir contain good bacteria lactobacilli, which help reduce the risk of disease.
Choose a few fermented products and incorporate them into your day, or opt for a daily probiotic drink like Rawbiotics Daily, R97, from Faithful To Nature.
3. Limit sweeteners
Research shows artificial sweeteners increase blood sugar by stimulating the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the gut. Oof.
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4. Take a supplement
Particularly when your skin is looking blah, a probiotic supplement ensures you’re giving your gut a healthy dose of live bacteria.
Try Terra Nova Probiotic Complex, R397.50, from Faithful To Nature.
5. Stock your plate with prebiotics
Think artichokes, bananas, asparagus, oats and apples. These foods create a beneficial environment that allows good bacteria to grow instead of the bad stuff.
6. Embrace whole grains
With loads of fibre and beta-glucan, whole grains will encourage good bacteria to flourish.
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7. Focus on polyphenols
Plant compounds found in red wine, green tea, dark chocolate and olive oil, polyphenols help boost healthy bacterial growth.
Try Cocoafair 95% Dark Chocolate, R57.99, from Faithful To Nature.
Source: https://www.womenshealthsa.co.za/food-and-nutrition/feed/
