The intestines are essentially a micro biome with hundreds of different bacterias, most of which are beneficial to health. The “gut” impacts essentially every part of the body, contributing to mental health, the immune system, hormone levels, and the chance of forming diseases. One of the best ways to keep a healthy gut is to give it plenty of healthy bacteria. Luckily, this can be easily done with some common foods!
Foods Rich in Probiotics
Our first obvious choice is yogurt, which helps improve digestion. Look for options low in sugar, such as Greek yogurt, which also contains more protein. Double win! Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) as well as Kimchi (a mix of fermented vegetables) also contain probiotics, as well as plenty of fiber. Kombucha, Miso, and even Sourdough also provide plenty of probiotics.
Foods High in Fiber
Fiber helps waste move through the body and promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Fruits and vegetables are staple items in this category. Broccoli, kale, peas, Brussels sprouts, and collard greens are all great options. Want a sweeter option for fiber? Try bananas, blackberries and raspberries. There are plenty of other foods rich in fiber including avocado, beans such as lentils, almonds and pistachios.
Foods for Better Digestion
Olive oil has many benefits; it provides fatty acids to the gut, reduces indigestion, promotes pancreas health, and is even good for the heart. Ginger helps produce stomach acid and keep waste moving throughout the digestive system. Garlic can help by keeping unhealthy bacteria to a minimum and improves gut function. Try adding papaya to your diet to break down protein and fibers, or bone broth to make food easier to pass. Check out our article on Kombucha
Gut health is essential to our overall well-being, both mentally and physically. Many of these foods are not only common, but also delicious and easy to incorporate into your diet!
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