If you want healthy digestion, balancing the gut microbiome is necessary. A healthy gut microbiome helps in proper digestion, nutrient absorption, regular bowel movement, and a strong immune system.
You can begin by consuming foods that are good for your gut! Certain foods are able to repair and protect gut linings, such as prebiotics and probiotics.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics, on the other hand, feeds those bacteria to help them thrive. They are like fuel that helps the bacteria function properly.
Let us take a look at 10 foods that will our gut happy and healthy.
Asparagus is a great source of fiber which makes it one of the best prebiotic foods. It holds great levels of fiber that feeds the good gut bacteria, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
This vegetable also contains great levels of B vitamins and antioxidants that fight inflammation. If consumed regularly, it will support digestive health and even assist in the reduction of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Pineapple is not just a simple tropical fruit! Due to its water and fiber content, it is able to prevent bloating and constipation.
It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that functions as a digestive agent, assisting in breaking down protein. Bromelain counters inflammation and pain all over the body and lessens secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that may be able to harm the lining of the gut.
Another great prebiotic food that you should include in your diet is raw garlic. It contains inulin that fuels beneficial gut bacteria. It is also rich in various nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin B-6, manganese, selenium, and allicin. Allicin is a potent substance that helps fight diseases. It is formed only when you chop or crush raw garlic.
Aside from raw garlic, raw onions also made our list. Raw onions contain the powerful antioxidant quercetin, that helps fight free radicals that are harmful to our bodies. It contains vitamin C that assists in a healthy immune system. It is also rich in chromium which boosts the production of insulin.
Apple cider vinegar assists in breaking down and digesting food through increasing the production of stomach acid and stimulating digestive juices.
Remarkably, apple cider vinegar contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties, lessening the development of harmful bacteria in the GI tract.
With these properties, it will help support a healthy immune system and gut microbiome.
Bone broth does wonders for the body. It assists the healing of the gut lining, which then supports a healthy immune system and inflammatory response.
Bone broth is extremely healthy because it contains so many minerals and healing compounds like collagen gelatin, and amino acids glutamine, proline, and arginine. All of these assist in sealing the gut lining, battling inflammation, reducing permeability, fight inflammation, and boosting the immune system.
Ginger is soothing and calming to the stomach. It helps in relieving nausea and alleviating gut problems. It is a natural source of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese. There is no wonder why it is able to support healthy digestion.
Dandelion greens are the best choice if you want a quick detox. They contain a vast majority of nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and prebiotics that all help in maintaining a strong and healthy body.
These leafy greens are also rich in calcium, vitamins A and K, and iron which all contribute to this powerful detoxifying food!
Kimchi is a great Korean side dish that is not only delicious but also very nutritious. The fermentation process not only makes it tasty but also produces the active probiotic cultures that your gut needs.
It contains fiber and antioxidants that detoxify the body in a natural way.
In German, Sauerkraut is also known as “sour white cabbage.” It is simply a fermented cabbage that offers a lot of beneficial bacteria when consumed. It contains high levels of fiber that fights indigestion and bloating, maintaining a healthy digestive system.
One of the tastiest ways to care for your gut is through eating these delicious and healthy foods. So why not munch on these treats and enjoy their benefits? Your gut will thank you!