The importance of diet in digestive health

Our health and immunity depend largely on the health of our digestive system. 70% of our immune system lies within our digestive tract. Vital nutrients are delivered from our intestines into our bloodstream for use elsewhere in the body. If this system is compromised in any way, by things like poor diet or stress, then our entire body system can be compromised – possibly resulting in weakened health and immunity.

‘All disease begins in the gut’ (Hippocrates). I personally prefer to think of it slightly differently; that all health can begin in the gut – slightly more positive! Thanks though Hippocrates!

If you follow any health or nutrition-based practitioners you will be familiar with the term ‘gut health‘. Gut health is a current trending health topic which has gained momentum over the last few years.

Although digestive health is a popular topic, it isn’t one that I hear discussed within social care with a focus specifically on diet.

However, that changed last week when I attended a webinar put on by the the National Association of Care Home Caterers (NACC) entitled ‘The importance of diet in maintaining good bowel health’. Guest speakers included Sophie Murray, Quality Improvement and Regulatory Partner and Subject Matter Expert in Nutrition and Hydration and Paula Woods, Registered Dietician at Hearth Wood Health.

Both discussed the importance of diversity in the diet, fibre and the gut microbiome. This is a topic I am excited to bring into Nellsar, to start taking a deeper dive into how well we are supporting dietary diversity. I want to review what our digestive support picture looks like and how we can better incorporate evidence-based research into our Homes, looking in particular at fibre and digestive health through diet.

Watch this space!

 

 

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Nellsar has 13 Care Homes throughout Kent, Surrey and Essex

Care Home in Bromley

Bromley Park Care Home
BROMLEY

Meyer House Care Home in Maidstone

Meyer House Care Home
DARTFORD

Sonya Lodge Care Home in Dartford

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Care Home DARTFORD

The Old Downs Care Home in Dartford

The Old Downs Residential
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St Winifreds Care Home in Deal, Kent

St Winifreds Care Home
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Loose Valley Care Home
MAIDSTONE

Lukestone Care Home
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Lulworth House Care Home in Maidstone

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Care Home MAIDSTONE

Hengist Field Care Home
SITTINGBOURNE

Woodstock Residential
Care Home SITTINGBOURNE

Abbotsleigh Care Home Staplehurst Kent

Abbotsleigh Care Home
STAPLEHURST

Princess Christian Care Home Surrey

Princess Christian Care Home
SURREY

Silverpoint Court Residential
Care Home ESSEX

Bromley Park Care Home
BROMLEY

Meyer House Care Home
DARTFORD

Sonya Lodge Residential
Care Home DARTFORD

The Old Downs Care Home in Dartford

The Old Downs Residential
Care Home DARTFORD

St Winifreds Care Home
DEAL

Loose Valley Care Home
MAIDSTONE

Lukestone Care Home
MAIDSTONE

Lulworth House Residential
Care Home MAIDSTONE

Hengist Field Care Home
SITTINGBOURNE

Woodstock Residential
Care Home SITTINGBOURNE

Abbotsleigh Care Home Staplehurst Kent

Abbotsleigh Care Home
STAPLEHURST

Bromley Park Care Home
BROMLEY

Care Home in Bromley

Meyer House Care Home
DARTFORD

Sonya Lodge Residential Care Home
DARTFORD

The Old Downs Residential Care Home
DARTFORD

St Winifreds Care Home
DEAL

St Winifreds Care Home in Deal Kent

Loose Valley Care Home
MAIDSTONE

Lukestone Care Home
MAIDSTONE

Lulworth House Residential Care Home
MAIDSTONE

Lulworth House Care Home in Maidstone

Hengist Field Care Home
SITTINGBOURNE

Woodstock Residential Care Home
SITTINGBOURNE

Abbotsleigh Care Home
STAPLEHURST

Princess Christian Care Home
WOKING

Silverpoint Court Residential Care Home
CANVEY ISLAND