Fall is here, and there’s no better way to warm up from the cooler weather than with a bowl of something hot from the slow cooker, like this Thai red curry soup. Today’s Integrative Eats recipe originated from Food Network Canada, and bonus — it’s great for your gut health. Our doctors at Integrative Medicine, Laser and Aesthetics know how important gut health is for your overall well-being, and we hope you’ll enjoy this yummy, healthy recipe this fall. 

What is Gut Dysbiosis?

According to Dr. CJ Pabla, MD, owner and founder of our practice, “Gut dysbiosis is the loss of number and diversity of healthy bacteria and the overgrowth of pathogenic organisms such as Candida, parasites and certain strains of bacteria.” This dysbiosis can affect numerous aspects of our health, including bowel disease, chronic inflammation, metabolic issues and even depression or anxiety.

Why is Gut Health Important?

Dr. Jason Amich, DHSc, MBA, explains, “Chronic inflammatory diseases are outpacing all other chronic conditions, and since 70% of our immune system is in our gut, we know it starts there.” In addition, more than 90% of mental health neurotransmitters come from your gut. “Chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA are produced by the biochemical activities of the bacteria in your gut,” says Dr. Amich. “So if your gut is in a state of dysbiosis, then you’re less likely to produce sufficient quantities of these neurotransmitters for mood regulation.”

Cooking Healthy can be Easy

And remember, healthy cooking doesn’t have to be hard. This Thai red curry soup can actually be made in your slow cooker! “This recipe has ingredients that are easy to find at just about any local grocer,” says Dr. Amich. “And we love Thai food because it is all about the flavor!”

Thai Red Curry Soup Recipe

Originally posted by Food Network Canada

Ingredients

• 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 Tbsp red Thai curry paste
• 2 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 Tbsp tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce)
• 1 large or 2 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (we recommend all organic and free-range chicken for the best benefit to your gut)

For Serving:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 lime, quartered

Directions

• Whisk the coconut milk, broth, curry paste, coconut sugar and tamari together in a large slow cooker. 
• Add the remaining soup ingredients and stir to combine. 
• Replace lid and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.
• Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and give the soup a good stir.
• To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top each one with cooked brown rice, peanuts, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve warm.