As 29th May is World Digestive Health Day I thought it would be a good time to write about our bellies. Whether you have a tiny belly, a big belly, a beer belly or a toned belly, we all have them and we need to treat them with kindness.
As a long term sufferer with IBS I am more than qualified to talk about how much good digestive health can affect us in a multitude of ways. For many years I ate pretty much what I liked, and was more likely to choose wine over water. And while it was enjoyable, my digestive system has now reached the point where I can’t get away with it anymore.
Not only are you likely to get a myriad of unpleasant symptoms that encourage toilet humour from everyone else, but poor digestive health can also affect your mental wellbeing. In fact, the gut-brain connection is very important as one affects the other significantly.
Of course I’m not suggesting that you just eat lettuce for ever more. It’s all about balance. You can still enjoy a takeaway, or a meal out, but just throw in a few healthy choices too. Ideally, we all need to eat 30g of fiber drink at least 2 litres of water daily. Until I started doing this I had no idea just how little of either I was consuming previously. But with just a few healthy choices it can be done, gradually. My one tip is not to drink too much water too late at night, unless you don’t want too much sleep.
I am now rarely without a water bottle in my hand or a packet of chia seeds in the cupboard, and my belly seems to be a bit more cheerful these days. It must be feeding back to my brain too, as that feels happier too. And it’s really good timing as between 11th May and 11th June its National Smile Month.
I know I sound pretty pious, but be under no illusion; I’m no food saint. I still enjoy a juicy burger or a lamb Dhansak, and I will never give up my one true love…wine. In fact, I’ve found that once I’ve done my quota of water for the day, those insulated water bottles are just as good for carrying around a chilled Pinot Grigio.
Sherry x
