Gardening for gut health in Scotland

Gut health is an essential aspect of our overall health and well-being, and what we eat plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Our gut health has been a hot topic of discussion. Prolonged periods of using antibiotics have left our tummies lacking the diversity of natural bacteria to stay healthy. This was evidenced when we had our biomes sequenced using the Atlas Microbiome test. There are lots of similar (and possibly cheaper) test on the market. The test told us that we needed to take action to improve gut diversity.

Did you know that you can grow your own gut-friendly foods right in your own garden? In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the top foods that you can grow in Scotland that are known to promote good gut health.

Kale

Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants. Fibre is essential for promoting good gut health, as it helps to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Kale is also rich in prebiotics, which are compounds that help to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Lovely yellow flowers...watch this one....its easy to grow and self seeds so if you are not careful you will find it popping up in your flower beds.

Garlic

Garlic is well-known for its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also a rich source of prebiotics, which can help to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Garlic is easy to grow in Scotland and can be planted in the spring or autumn. We have been planting all of those little cloves you are left with when preparing fresh garlic in the house. They need no maintenance and we are now in the position where we have lots of garlic of different varieties coming up in the garden.

Chives

Chives are a member of the allium family, which also includes garlic and onions. Chives are rich in prebiotics and also contain compounds that have been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also a good source of fibre, which is essential for promoting good gut health. The side benefit of these is that they have beautiful purple flowers....worth growing for this reason alone.

When growing these gut-friendly foods in your garden, it's essential to choose organic seeds and soil, as the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers can harm the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. Additionally, it's always best to allow your plants to grow to maturity before harvesting, as this will ensure that they are at their nutrient-rich best.

When it comes to cooking and consuming these gut-friendly foods, it's essential to keep it simple. Steaming, roasting, or lightly sautéing these foods will help to preserve their nutrient content, while adding a variety of seasonings and herbs can help to add flavour and variety to your meals.

In addition to these three gut-friendly foods, there are many other foods that you can grow in Scotland that are known to promote good gut health, including beets, fennel, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. By incorporating these foods into your diet and growing them in your own garden, you can take an active role in promoting and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

Growing your own gut-friendly foods in Scotland can be a fun and rewarding experience that provides you with a bountiful supply of nutrient-rich foods that are essential for promoting and maintaining good gut health. So why not give it a try and see how it can benefit your health and well-being?

References:

1. "Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ" by Giulia Enders

2. "The Microbiome Diet: The Scientifically Proven Way to Restore Your Gut Health for Better Overall Health" by Raphael Kellman

3. "The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-Term Health" by Justin Sonnenburg and Erica Sonnenburg

4. "The Probiotic Promise: Simple Steps to Heal Your Gut and Boost Your Health" by Stephanie Pedersen

5. "The Gut Health Solution: A Radiant 4-Week Program to Repair Your Digestive System" by Dr. Natasha Turner

6. "The Gut Balance Revolution: Boost Your Metabolism, Restore Your Inner Ecology, and Lose the Weight for Good!" by Gerard E. Mullin.