Have you ever had that strange feeling somewhere in your stomach before a long-awaited exciting date or stressful talk? Have you ever wondered why?
It's your gut talking to you!
We do all it takes to take care of our brain and mental health, but rarely think about the gut as a game changer in our well-being. And with no exaggeration, there’s a good reason it is referred to as the second brain of the body.
More than 100m neurons in your stomach are covering the inner tract of your gut and are responsible for those butterflies in anxious and exciting times.
This super complex nervous system is also party responsible for sour moods and even the strength of the immune system. There is nearly no doubt that the gut and your diet subsequently may indeed play a huge role in mood disorders and our mental health too.
What can we at The Jar Healthy Vending do to make you feel better daily and support your gut health?
Uplifting healthy snacks and drinks, of course!
What to eat to make yourself feel better?
Probiotics
We have a whole separate post dedicated just to pro- and pre- biotics (If you can't tell the difference between them, check it out). Basically, those are a combination of live beneficial bacteria and/or yeasts that naturally live in your body. By consuming foods, usually fermented ones, which are rich in those - you are doing a huge favour to your gut health and digestion. Psst. JARR Kombucha is one of those, try it in different tastes at The Jar.
Whole Grains
Instead of white bread or rice - go for whole grains, which provide lots of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Something like Pollen and Grace Porridge Pot will work just right! When gut bacteria ferment fiber, they produce short-chain fatty acids, which encourage proper function in the cells lining the colon, where 70 percent of our immune cells live.
Leafy Greens
Greens are the epitome of healthy - facts. Why? Apart from being great sources of fibre, folate, Vitamins C, K and A they also contain a specific type of sugar that helps fuel growth of healthy gut bacteria. All the mirco organisms in your gut will be happy with the ideal gut microbiome that leafy greens create. We at The Jar even have the most special PRESS Leafy Green Smoothie made just for that.
Lean Protein
High-fat foods can trigger contractions of the colon. Which is why a combination of seafood and lean poultry is a better for your gut than red meat. Red meat can also promote colon bacteria that produce chemicals associated with an increased risk of clogging the arteries.
Low-Fructose Fruits
Berries and citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, contain less fructose than apples or pears, what makes them easier to tolerate and less likely to cause gas. Bananas are another low-fructose fruit that are fiber-rich and contain inulin, a substance that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Next time you are feeling that funky feeling in your gut - get a banana for a quick fix.
Keep your gut healthy with The Jar Healthy Vending!