Gut health has become a hot topic in the wellness world, and for good reason! Your gut plays a key role in your overall well-being, from digestion and immune function to mental health. At IKU, we believe that nourishing your gut is just as important as nourishing your body, and we’re here to show you how easy it can be with plant-based foods.

Why is Gut Health So Important?

The gut is often called the “second brain” due to its deep connection with the central nervous system. In fact, your gut contains millions of nerve cells that communicate directly with your brain. But that’s not all—it’s also home to trillions of microorganisms, known as the gut microbiome, that help digest food, regulate your immune system, and produce essential nutrients.

When your gut is healthy, it’s better equipped to break down the foods you eat, absorb nutrients, and protect your body from harmful bacteria and toxins. But an unhealthy gut can lead to digestive issues like bloating and constipation, as well as fatigue, inflammation, and even mood swings. 

The old saying “you are what you eat”, is all because of your sensitive, but super gut.

How Can You Boost Your Gut Health?

To make an easy and convenient start you could check out our Gut Health Set, but read on for the hot takes on how and why you need your gut on side:

1. Load Up on Fibre-Rich Foods

Fibre is your gut’s best friend. It feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which helps them thrive. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and seeds are all rich in fibre and play a key role in keeping your gut happy.

At IKU, we pack our meals with fibre-rich ingredients like chickpeas, quinoa, and leafy greens, making it easy to fuel your gut with what it needs to flourish.

Check out Chickpea and Coriander Curry or Lentil and Lemon Dhal for two of our many fibrous superstars.

2. Incorporate Fermented Foods

Fermented foods contain probiotics, which are live bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. Incorporating foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and plant-based yoghurt into your diet can help boost the good bacteria in your gut, improving digestion and immune function.

Fortunately the umami maestro, miso, is also a fermented ingredient and can be found in our Miso Mushroom Broth. 

3. Stay Hydrated

Good hydration is essential for proper digestion and helps the body break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. Drinking enough water ensures that fibre can do its job by aiding in smooth digestion and preventing constipation.

Coffee and alcohol don’t count either – damn! Herbal teas are good, but good old fashioned still water for the win!

4. Diversify Your Diet

Your gut microbiome thrives on variety. Recent research has said eating 30 different plants a week, whether they be fruits, veg, seeds or nuts, is a good standard for a happy gut. This variety introduces your gut to different types of fibre and nutrients, supporting a diverse community of beneficial bacteria.

At IKU, we emphasise variety in our meals by incorporating a range of colourful vegetables, legumes, and grains, ensuring you get all the nutrients your gut craves.

5. Limit Processed Foods and Sugar

Processed foods and added sugars can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and inflammation. Opting for whole, plant-based meals instead of heavily processed options will go a long way in maintaining a healthy gut.

We’re pretty relentless on this one, nothing artificial and no ingredients from a lab. All plants, nothing less.

Plant-Based Meals for a Happy Gut

Nurturing your gut doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Our plant-based ready meals at IKU are packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that support a healthy microbiome, making it easy to prioritise your gut health without sacrificing convenience or taste.

Whether you’re looking to boost your fibre intake, incorporate more variety, or simply enjoy nourishing meals that help you feel your best, IKU has you covered.