The link between good gut health and immunity has been well documented, but the peri-menopause brings a specific challenge to the gut. Women’s level of bifido bacterium in the gut decreases sharply from their mid-30s. Bifidos assist the absorption of B Vitamins, which are essential to protect against memory loss, and they also help protect against wellbeing issues such as low mood and anxiety.
An easy start to boosting your gut health is a good quality probiotic, and I’ve detailed some suppliers below. However, a more lasting way of improving your gut flora is to include fermented foods in your diet. Fermented foods come in many forms and getting as rich a diversity of these foods is the thing to strive for.
Try the following and see what suits you:
Drink Kefir, Kombucha, Apple Cider Vinegar
Eat Kefir, Tempeh, Miso, Sauerkraut, Sourdough (wonderfully bubbly sourdough starter is pictured here) and Kimchi
As ever, Herbies on Albert Road, Southsea and Wild Thyme of Palmerston Road, Southsea are great local suppliers of many things I recommend in these blog entries. The homeopathic pharmacy helios.co.uk is a reliable source of quality probiotics.
I hope this was helpful, and if you need any further advice, please get in touch.