Aussies encouraged to trust their gut when making their new year health resolutions
With over 50% of Aussies experiencing poor gut health each year* and one in seven experiencing distressing gut issues,* it’s important to focus on gut health with any New Year’s health resolutions according to a leading dietician.
Freedom dietitian Ali Baldwin says keeping your gut healthy has become key to a healthier lifestyle.
“More and more, we are discovering how a healthy gut can play a crucial role in our physical, mental and even our emotional health with recent research helping us understand how looking after our gut health, and the friendly bacteria it contains, is key to a healthy body and mind,” says Ms Baldwin. “Our gut breaks down the foods we eat and absorbs nutrients that support our body’s functions as well producing good bacteria to help keep the bad bacteria at bay.”
“When you have a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, you’re more likely to feel healthy overall,” adds Ms Baldwin.
With many Aussies taking a fresh look at their diet and lifestyle in the New Year, Ms Baldwin says it is the perfect time for them to take stock of their gut health, and with just 1 in 5 adults meeting the recommended daily fibre target,*boosting fibre intake was a great starting point.
“Fibre can help you stay fuller for longer, moderate blood sugar levels and keep you regular. It’s also vital for providing prebiotics to feed the good bacteria in our guts. “Fibre-rich foods include whole grains and high-fibre cereals, like the Freedom range of muesli, granola and flakes, fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes.” Ms Baldwin says gluten can also be an issue for some people. “People with coeliac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, avoiding gluten-containing foods is necessary to manage the health of their gut. For these people, it’s important to ensure they include a variety of gluten-free whole grains to provide essential nutrients and fibre, such as brown rice, sorghum, buckwheat and quinoa.” Ms Baldwin says other tips for good gut health include adding probiotics to your diet, staying hydrated and reducing stress. Whether you’re on a gluten free diet or just looking for a nutritious, great-tasting cereal to start the day, Freedom has a delicious range of muesli, granola, flakes and puffs to meet everyone’s needs.
Made using Australian-grown, wholesome ingredients, like gluten-free whole grains, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, Freedom is a good source of fibre, has a health star rating of 4 to 5 stars and has no preservatives or artificial colours.
* CSIRO Australia, January 2019
