Unless you’ve been living under a rock, 2018 has been the year of gut health. It’s been linked to everything from glowing skin and shiny hair to belly bloat and immune function and just about every other ailment in between. Ravaged by rosacea or dermatitis? Blame your gut health. Brittle hair and nails? You guessed it, the state of your insides has been linked to that too.  

“I know it doesn’t sound very glamorous, but the gut is where the seeds for health and beauty are planted,” says the Beauty Chef’s Carla Oates.

“From a physical perspective, science has caught up with nature and there is a wellbeing revolution, doctors are realising the importance of eating organic wholefoods and taking care of your diet and lifestyle to prevent both premature ageing of the body and disease.”

So how exactly do we keep our gut in check so we’re firing on all cylinders? Start with these 5 simple steps;

1. Lacto-fermented foods

Kimchi, sauerkraut and keffir are all excellent additives to your breakfast, lunch and dinner line up. “The main reason lacto-fermented foods are so powerful is they help boost your nutrient load and also help improve digestive health,” says Carla.

2. Sleep

Sleep hygiene isn’t just linked to productivity and happiness it also affects our decisions around food. Sugary pick-me-ups play havoc on gut health with the flow-on effect wreaking havoc on energy levels.

3. Hydration

Water is said to be beauty’s biggest secret. Insufficient intake will slow down your digestive system.

4. Whole foods

Whole foods – especially organic – are one of the best investments you can make in your overall health. Processed foods are laden with salt, preservatives and artificial flavours, all of which put unnecessary pressure on the digestive system. .

5. Pre and probiotics

Including probiotics (which are microorganisms found in bacteria) is one of the best ways to boost immune health and digestion. While prebiotics help stimulate the growth and survival of good bacteria and discourage the growth of harmful organisms. Essentially, they work as a team. Both can be taken as a supplement, choose brands who use organic, wholefoods.