Style: December 10, 2021
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74 <strong>Style</strong> Teen | Wellbeing<br />
Teen health<br />
The teenage years throw up a bevy of potential health challenges,<br />
which naturopath Deanna Copland advises can be combatted.<br />
Teens are more susceptible to Epstein-Barr<br />
virus, which causes glandular fever,<br />
so a robust immune system is important.<br />
One of the key steps for supporting digestive<br />
health – and overall wellbeing – is by<br />
increasing diversity of the gut microbiome. Some<br />
studies have even linked diverse healthy gut<br />
bacteria to a reduced incidence of anxiety, and<br />
this is a common issue during the challenging<br />
teenage years.<br />
• When it comes to gut health, diversity is<br />
about the variety of plant foods consumed.<br />
Examples include: fresh fruits, vegetables<br />
(cooked and raw), beans, lentils and grains<br />
such as rice and quinoa.<br />
• The two main plant components that<br />
benefit the gut are fibre and colours.<br />
• A good place to start is to replace one<br />
meat-based dish with a plant-based dish per<br />
week. Some easy swaps are Lentil Bolognese<br />
(Chelsea Winter has a wonderful recipe),<br />
black bean brownies, vege soup made with<br />
lots of vegetables and some lentils, or adding<br />
beans to mince.
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