Living a productive and relatively stress-free life has more to do with a healthy gut than we may realise. Naturopath and wellness coach Dr Francois du Toit discusses the microbiome, probiotics, the biology behind a “gut feeling” and how gut health affects brain function, mental health & sleep. He offers advice on factors crucial to healing and tips on how to best support your gut.

If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Francois and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.

In ep. 180 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, naturopath and wellness coach Dr Francois du Toit touches on:

• how vaginal birth, or being born by C-section, can influence our gut

• how breastfeeding inoculates and feeds the microbiome, and supports the immune system

• the gut challenges he experienced during his first two years, and the unexpected effects of freshly-squeezed carrot juice

• the microbiome and the “indigenous forest” in our gut

• microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites

• how the microbiome breaks down food

• probiotics: what they are and why we need a diversity of probiotics

• how gut health influences brain function, mental health and sleep

• the relationship between serotonin and the gut

• the biology behind the term “gut feeling”

• the mental-emotional link of dis-ease

• how you can become “your own best doctor”

• elements that accelerate healing, including getting the body into a restful state

• advantages of fermented foods, including kimchi, water kefir, kombucha and naturally-fermented sauerkraut

• Francois’ tips for supporting your gut in the best way.

  In this episode, Francois mentions Dr Gauri Lowe, Dr David Perlmutter, Dr Kelly Brogan, Dr Sachin Patel and Dr Axe.

Scroll down to About for more info on Francois, including his contact details.

Also read a personal article where Francois writes about working in Thailand, triathlons, and sourdough flapjacks.

The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!

About Francois, including contact details

Dr Francois du Toit is a naturopath, wellness coach and speaker based in George. He offerings include massage, Chinese acupuncture and masterclasses. His approach extends beyond treating symptoms, focusing instead on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness.

Cell/WhatsApp: +27 60 458 6419

Email address: drfrancoisdutoit@gmail.com

Website: www.drfrancoisdutoit.com

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drfrancoisdutoit/videos

Audio podcast series: Search for “Wellness mastery with Dr. du Toit” on Spotify or your preferred platform

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drdutoit

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drfrancoisdutoit

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drfrancoisdutoit

Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman

Thumbnail image: Unsplash

Photograph of Dr Francois du Toit: supplied