Industry insights
Emotions govern whether food is readily digested or causes problems
www.spahandbook.com
Microbiota have traditionally been poorly understood by scientists and physicians, which led to an over emphasis on cleanliness, but we need to encounter some dirt for our health. Children need to play in the mud, or on the grass, in order to be healthy: it increases the microbiota for their gut health. While it might be a good idea to use hand sanitiser outside the home during the time of Covid, in the house we don’t need to use it much.
How it all works Unsurprisingly, diet strongly affects the gut-brain connection and generally a high
ESB Professional/shutterstock
there is a gut immune connection. We know the human microbiome found on skin and the so-called fecal excretory system influences health. Our skin and our guts are part of our personal microbiome, which is the larger picture concerning bacteria and the body. Research suggests gut microbiota influence growth, body size, immunity, lifespan, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, allergies, skin health and so-called lifestyle diseases. The microbiota may weigh one to five pounds in the average person. They outnumber human cells by 10 to one.
l Eat no more than 5 to 10 per cent of calories as simple sugars. l It is wise to eat monounsaturated fats such as canola (for high temperatures) and olive oil (for sautéing and low temperatures.) Not all plant oils are healthful. l When baking, use butter or hard fats, not fake margarines. l Fats / oils should be limited to 30 per cent or less of calories. l Some polyunsaturated oils are important for critical functions in the body and can be found in most seafood, nuts and seeds, but the need for monounsaturated oils is strong. l Proteins should account for 12 to 20 per cent of calories. l Most of the diet should be complex carbohydrates, a good source of fibre.
spa business HANDBOOK 2021 – 2022
83