Tips to keep your gut healthy

Nutritional guidelines

Choose a varied diet, which includes recommendations from the Ministry of Health eating for Healthy Adult New Zealanders:

• Include adequate amounts of fluid each day, 6-8 cups are recommended.
• Avoid excessive intake of alcohol, caffeine and other stimulant drinks.
• Include a good intake of high fibre foods such as wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables.
• Remember food is better for you than supplements.

When and how to eat

• Have meals at regular intervals.
• Keep meals even sized and don’t go without meals.
• Chew your food well.
• Don’t overeat or binge- maintain a healthy weight.
• Don’t eat on the run- sit at a table or desk for meals.

Use safe food practices to avoid food poisoning

Infections with harmful bacteria can upset beneficial bacterial flora and gut health.

• Wash hands before preparing and eating food.
• Chill food properly.
• Ensure food in thoroughly cooked.
• Avoid cross contamination, ie, transferring harmful bacteria from hands, work surfaces, food preparation equipment, dish cloths etc to your food and drink.

Other factors that may contribute to gut health

• Get regular exercise.
• Eat safely and drink plenty of water when travelling.
• Avoid eating in places where there is poor hygiene.
• Don’t take recreational drugs.
• Discuss any medications bought over the counter with your doctor before taking them.
• Avoid the use of excessive amounts of laxatives.
• Don’t radically change your eating patterns unless it is to get into a healthy regime.

Article supplied by Auckland Dietetics Service