You are what you eat

Our stomach is sometimes referred to as our second brain, due to the fact that as well as receiving messages, it also sends messages to the brain.

Inside our gut we have millions of neurons that communicate with billions of bacteria. How healthy the bacteria inside our tummy are goes some way to determining what type of signals our neurons send to the brain.

Bad bacteria from too much junk and processed food can create a toxic environment that can affect our mood, with higher levels of stress, depression and anxiety. Conversely good bacteria can help to reduce these things.

Below are some possible ways to improve the health and diversity of our stomach microbes:

• Fibrous food
• ‘Live’ yoghurt
• Plant-based food
• Fermented food
• A varied diet
• Probiotics (e.g. lactobacillus or bifidobacterium)

Put another way, here are the lyrics to a song by Bob Vylan, called ‘Health is Wealth’.

“The state need not kill those that killing themselves
Don't make it an easy job for 'em

The killing of kids with £2 chicken and chips
Is a tactic of war, waged on the poor
Can't save wages on slave wages
And you don't think fresh fruit with your face on the floor
Nah, you need money for the kids
Rent and light plus food in the fridge
But that last box can be the hardest tick
'Cause scraps will suffice but they might make you sick
As a child I used to chow take out
Twenty-four hours later skin break out
Felt so heavy with it sitting in my belly
Dessert was a sugar coated candy jelly
Fam that's pig meat. Mashing up the kidney
Make sure no government has to kill me
I was killing myself till I realised danger
Brain, heart, liver and lungs can hit failure
Now season daal and veg with fresh herbs
Cut caffeine because it messed with nerves
Plenty lentils and chickpea curry
20 minute meal for a man in a hurry
That's real fast food that won't break the bank
With enough nutrients to fill the tank
Drink water for the body's natural power
But water from taps can taste sour
Food deserts are designed to starve us
No fresh produce but we've got Starbucks
Calories packed in treats to enlarge us
May not see the effects but the heart does
Can't breathe, can't sleep, can't run
Casomorphin wreaks havoc on the lungs
Just like fizzy wreaks havoc on the gums
And my old man said diabetes ain't fun
Ginger root is good for the youts
Blend it up and share a fresh juice
Burn sage, cleanse the room
Body is a temple, don't let it be a tomb
The food you choose to consume can damage
Processed meats intestines can't manage
Cattle farming still killing off the planet
And it tells us everyday that it can't stand it
Earth getting hotter while the sea levels rise
All because you want burger with those fries
All because you want milkshake with the meal
Then to combat diarrhoea you take pills
What's the deal? Eat right, stay active
Stay strong 'cause the revolution is real
Never know when a man might have to dash
And a pig can't kill what a pig can't catch
It's more than just eating right, it's survival
Rasta man tell the youts eat Ital
Daily exercise, fresh air is vital
Whether you short walk, run or take cycle
Meditate to live life and love it
Plus stress increases acid in stomachs
Read and chill to keep the mental covered
And when you find struggle, try rise above it
I find peace in the books on the shelf
Food on the stove while it cooks I can smell
It's gonna be good by the looks I can tell
And it won't put my body through hell, well
Well, I want strength like Phelps
Good practises and discipline helps
Not for the six-pack, I do it for myself
'Cause it's true what they say your health is wealth
Be healthy, be strong, alright

Oh by the way, remember you are a gift to yourself and a gift to your environment
Continue to be that beautiful gift
Share that gift in your food, and all your gastronomic mastery.”