Good gut health
An unhealthy gut may contribute to health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even anxiety.
Adding gut-healthy foods into your diet can be a terrific way to combat potential problems. Here are some of the foods considered by experts to help with gut health.
Ginger
A superfood that has many health benefits, ginger is known to alleviate congestion, reduce heartburn, promote weight loss, to provide relief for an upset stomach and other digestive issues, and support a healthy gut. Gingerol, a natural compound found in fresh ginger, is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help restore gut balance.
Add it to your diet by putting chopped ginger in your tea or hot water in the mornings, blending it in a smoothie, or taking a ginger capsule supplement daily.
Bananas
Bananas contain a fibre called inulin, a substance that stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Inulin is a prebiotic that can help develop a microbiome and provide fuel for healthy bacteria to live in your gut. Bananas are also a source of fructooligosaccharides, which act as a probiotic and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.
Add to your diet by eating bananas with cereal, in a smoothie, sliced or whole
on their own.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is probably the first food you think of when it comes to gut health. Rich in probiotics (live microorganisms that keep the gut microbiome healthy), yoghurt can help with gut issues such as bloating. A proper balance of bacteria in your gut improves digestion, can block infection-causing organisms, and boost your immune system. High-protein probiotic yoghurt with minimal sugar is best.
Add it to your diet by eating with cereal, on its own, in smoothies, curries, and
other dishes.
Lentils
Lentils are a versatile food rich in nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as resistant starches, which are brilliant for gut health. Resistant starches are carbohydrates that pass through most of the digestive system unchanged, usually fermenting in the colon, and decreasing the colon’s pH level to help create an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive.
Add lentils to your diet in soup, pasta, and salads. Bake them in the oven in stews, and casseroles, or serve them as
a side dish.
Signs of a possible unhealthy gut:
- Upset stomach, including gas, bloating, and heartburn.
- Unexplained weight gains and losses.
- Fatigue caused by broken sleep cycles.
- Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
