I’d say I’m pretty clued up when it comes to health and wellbeing. Firstly my diet is 100% vegan, so I have to pay attention to what I’m eating and balance nutrients to stay in tip top condition. Secondly I’m an outdoor, sporty type and not a sofa-sedentary sort, finally, I take supplements – listen to how my body feels and ensure I get my five-plus a day. HOWEVER, it wasn’t until I was recently whisked off to Ibiza by leading digestive wellbeing brand Renew Life to learn about gut health, that I really sat up and took note regarding the intricacies of what our poor beleaguered gut needs to stay healthy. I mean – fermented food, kombucha, kim-chi, gut yoga, and breathing classes – I never knew these things existed so this was an eye opening experience that’s since equipped me for a much healthier and gut-respectful lifestyle, and the beautiful thing? It’s not hard to achieve.
Cue joyous skipping thru fields of pretty grasses.
Now for the science bit –
“All disease begins in the gut” – Hippocrates
This is a 2000 year old quote from the man dubbed ‘the father of medicine’ whose wisdom has actually stood the test of time. Obviously not ALL disease begins there, for example, it doesn’t apply to genetic diseases, however there is evidence that many chronic metabolic diseases do in fact begin in the gut and this has a lot to do with multiple gut bacteria residing in our digestive tracts as well as the integrity of the gut lining. It’s been proven that sometimes unwanted bacterial products called endotoxins can leak through and enter the bloodstream, which when this happens, our immune system reacts by attacking the foreign molecules and the result is a chronic inflammatory response. This diet-induced inflammation can lead to type2 diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease and other chronic diseases such as colitis, Crohn’s or IBS.
“Out gut is like an engine”, says Naturopathic Dr and Renew Life spokeswoman Dr Sara Celik, ND “it drives our health and wellbeing.”
Celik believes that healing comes from within and benefitted first hand from the results of changing her diet when problems with eczema and acne cleared up after just ten days of following a strict diet from her doctor. She goes on to explain how the gut needs up to 85% of good bacteria working alongside 15% of bad bacteria for a healthy balanced digestive tract, when the imbalances set in, problems begin. Her solutions are straightforward and involve getting back to nature, eating organic whole foods, popping a daily probiotic, exercise and focusing on proactive treatment as opposed to reactive.
Did you know?
*The gut is seen as our second brain – it defines how you look, feel, your mood and of course, your health
*90% of serotonin is produced in the gut (this is the chemical that regulates anxiety, happiness and your mood – yes, major)
*Sugar feeds bad bacteria and the average person consumes 20/30 teaspoons per day
*Pollution affects gut bacteria. Yes, you read that right.
Good clean fresh air and a healthy dose of Vitamin D.
And breathe – Transformational Breath is a self-healing technique that helps people to access the full potential of their breathing system for better physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. It’s a powerful tool, that helps release the tension and stresses our bodies hold on to, and personally, I found it to be an amazing way to reconnect body and mind. You can book a 121 session or find out about classes with Rebecca Dennis at rebecca@breathingtree.co.uk
Image of Rebecca Pearson taken after our Transformational Breath workshop with Rebecca Dennis, founder of www.breathingtree.co.uk.
Where we stayed – the beautiful Can NaXica hotel and spa in Ibiza; healthy food, zen vibe and the perfect setting to attend ‘Gut Health School.’
Stretch – yes there is such a thing as good yoga for your gut. Courses available at www.yogateachertrainingibiza.com/home/
This is a bit like the ‘Where’s Wally’ of yoga…yes, I’m there somewhere.
In a pickle? – just a spoonful of sauerkraut or kimchi or a shot of kombucha every day is a simple way to balance your gut. Easy to make if you’re so inclined or available from good health food shops.
We dined with Los Fermentistas and The Last Supper Club – test driving a fermented food menu in a beautiful pop up location in the wilds of Ibiza. The hilight was most definitely dessert on the tablecloth – a Jackson Pollock style extravaganza that tasted as good as the experience and theatrics. Go to www.lovefoodibiza.com/los/ for more information on Bex and Jakob’s artisinal food and drinks and how to make fermented food.
DIY Sauerkraut and kimchi – a larder must have.
A little kimchi on avocado on toast will give you all you need in a daily dose of fermented foods, alternatively get into the habit of a daily shot of kombucha. Your gut will thank you.
Pop a pill – did you know that one little probiotic tablet can pack one helluva punch with over 50 billion live cultures per capsule? Our Ibizian host Renew Life market an impressive foursome that contain 10 (and upwards) scientifically studied probiotic strains and depending on your needs can address anything from cystitis, urinal and yeast infections to bloating, constipation, colds, flu and the fall out from over use of antibiotics.
Get back to nature – Dr Sara Celik ND stresses that over cleansed environments and the sea of chemicals we surround and often immerse ourselves in, can be harmful to our gut. As too stress, poor nutrition and over use of antibiotics.
The Wellbeing Guru;
We spoke to Liz Earle author of the recently published bible ‘ The Good Gut Guide’ and founder of Liz Earle Wellbeing for her tops tips on how to nurture positive gut health.
“I’ve created a Good Gut checklist of my easy to follow recommendations for good digestive health which I follow myself on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. These include drinking fermented beverages, going organic and taking a daily probiotic. I now start my day with a glass of kefir and always have some kind of ferment on the go in my kitchen!”
“By making a small change to your diet in adding a daily dose of probiotics – in the form of plain live yoghurt or fermented foods such as kefir and pickled vegetables – you can make a real difference to your overall health and wellbeing. I love the fact you don’t have to give anything up, but add a bit of goodness into your daily life. Super-easy and very inexpensive too”.
On my shopping list – the Fantastic Four probiotic troubleshooters from Renew Life, available at Planet Organic, Rebecca Dennis’s wonderful book; ‘And Breathe’ and Liz Earle’s treasure trove of tips and recipes, The Good Gut Guide.
All products featured are cruelty free.
Photographs and words by Shelly Vella.
Model, fellow Ibiza lover and author of www.modeltypeface.com Rebecca Pearson