Trust your gut
Centre For Health’s Anna Rolleston takes a deep dive into the fascinating microscopic world of inflammation and how it can influence both our mental and physical wellbeing.
Centre For Health’s Anna Rolleston takes a deep dive into the fascinating microscopic world of inflammation and how it can influence both our mental and physical wellbeing.
Photo Jahl Marshall
Understanding inflammation is incredibly important for health and wellbeing. Inflammation is a natural response that helps our bodies heal and fight off infections. When we cut our finger or catch a cold, inflammation kicks in and our immune system sends an army of cells to the affected area to promote healing. However, when inflammation is prolonged or spreads throughout the body, it can contribute to a range of health issues and disrupt the delicate balance that keeps us well.
First, let's talk about physical health. Chronic inflammation has been linked to numerous conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. It's like a low-grade fire that smoulders inside our bodies, leading to tissue damage and impairing the normal functioning of many organs. Inflammation is the beginning of almost all disease processes, so any actions to reduce inflammation will be beneficial for our overall health.
Inflammation plays a role in our mental and emotional health as well. Research has shown that chronic inflammation can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in our brain, leading to symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, individuals with chronic inflammation are more likely to experience mood disorders.
It is our gut that plays a crucial role when it comes to inflammation and mental health. The gut and the brain are intimately connected through a complex communication network called the gut-brain axis. This bidirectional communication influences our mood, emotions, and cognitive function. Inflammation disrupts this connection.
The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the microbiome. This bustling community not only aids in digestion but also plays a crucial role in regulating our immune system. When inflammation occurs, it can upset the balance of the microbiome, leading to a condition called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can further perpetuate inflammation, creating a vicious cycle.
That's where adopting plant-based foods can be a game-changer. Plant-based foods are packed with essential nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, are nutritional powerhouses that contain a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. These plant compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to calm the flames of inflammation within our bodies. Moreover, the fibre in plant-based foods acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment to the beneficial bacteria in our gut, promoting a diverse and thriving microbiome.
A plant-based way of eating is generally lower in saturated fats and high in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, further supporting our overall health. Adding fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and yoghurt contributes to boosting the quantity and quality of the organisms in our gut, especially if consumed daily. By shifting our focus to plant-based meals, we not only reduce our intake of potentially inflammatory foods like processed meats and high-sugar snacks but also increase our consumption of foods that actively fight inflammation. That is most definitely a win-win situation!
Adopting a plant-based approach doesn't mean totally giving up all animal products. It's about making gradual changes and incorporating more plant foods into meals. Start by incorporating more colour into salads and stir-fries, making the vegetable component of your plate the largest part and trying plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu. It's a journey of exploring new flavours and discovering the incredible variety of plant-based foods available to us.
By nourishing our bodies with a plant-based diet, we can help tame inflammation, support our gut health, and boost our overall well-being. It's not just about what we eliminate from our plates but also about the vibrant, nourishing foods we add. Celebrate the power of plants and embrace a healthier, inflammation-free life!
Matters of the heart
Anna Rolleston of Tauranga’s Centre for Health highlights the importance of protecting your ticker and keeping an eye out for any warning signs of heart disease.
Anna Rolleston of Tauranga’s Centre for Health highlights the importance of protecting your ticker and keeping an eye out for any warning signs of heart disease.
Photo Jahl Marshall
Did you know your heart is not just another organ in your body, but rather a life-sustaining force that keeps you going day after day? Unfortunately, heart disease remains one of the biggest killers worldwide, accounting for a staggering one-third of all deaths globally. But why are we still struggling to get a handle on heart health? Despite the alarming number of heart attacks that occur every day, many of us still underestimate the importance of taking care of our heart.
Your heart is the ultimate powerhouse that pumps oxygen-rich blood to every corner of your body. Without its proper function, your body simply cannot work at its best. Heart disease is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. These conditions can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and cardiac arrest, which can be fatal if not treated in a timely manner.
Did you know there’s a difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they’re two entirely different things that can go wrong with your heart. A heart attack happens when there’s a plumbing issue caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. Cardiac arrest on the other hand can be likened to an electrical problem that results in a sudden loss of heart function. This can be caused by a heart attack, but also stems from underlying inflammation, trauma, or irregular heart rhythms. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with CPR and defibrillation.
Knowing how to perform CPR could save someone’s life, and it’s an easy
skill to learn – you don’t need to be a healthcare professional, and I highly recommend taking a course.
It’s crucial to be aware of your risk factors for heart disease. Factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, a family history of heart disease, being overweight and inactive can all increase your chances of developing heart disease. However, even if you don’t have any of these risk factors, it’s still important to take proactive steps to protect your heart health. After all, your heart has to keep ticking for your entire life. Without proper care, you can’t expect it to function smoothly year after year.
Heart disease affects men and women differently. While it’s often thought of as a man’s problem, heart disease is just as significant for women. Shockingly, around 55 New Zealand women die every week from heart disease. It’s important to be aware of the key differences between
the sexes when it comes to heart health. For instance, women may be more susceptible to some risk factors, such as smoking. Women with diabetes are also at a greater risk of heart disease than men with diabetes. Furthermore, having a family history of heart disease can be a stronger predictor of heart disease in women than in men. Men are more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age than women, while the risk for women increases with a drop in protective oestrogen levels close to, during and after menopause. Women also tend to experience different symptoms of heart disease and heart attack than men. Symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, and back pain may be more common in women, which can make it harder to diagnose.
So if you feel something is off, you’re just not feeling right, and you have risk factors for heart disease or a family history, go and get yourself checked out.