Well, microbes have things they like – just like us.
Some prefer sugar and junk food – just like us.
What the??? Gut bugs are influencing what we eat!
Yep. The little buggies that enjoy the foods that are not best for us will actually stimulate cravings to make you eat more of it, stimulating production of the feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Rotten sods! They can also make us feel really crappy to ensure they get what they want.
And yes, this will really affect your mood and mental health (anxiety, happiness/sadness).
Plus, looking after the good buggies helps make you more resilient to infection and illness.
Ok, so what to do? Feed the “good” buggies and stop being bullied by the “bad” ones. (not really good and bad as such – just numbers out of balance).
Dietary diversity is very important – lots of fruit, veg, fibre. High nutrient density.
Cut out the sugars (watch for hidden sugars) and junk foods (bugs will complain – so be ready)
If you want something sweet, go for fruit instead.
Ensure you get adequate sleep, do what you can to limit stress and get regular exercise – these all affect gut microbiota composition, inflammation levels and immune function.
