Do you know that your diet and gut health are very closely linked? The food that you eat greatly affects the types of bacteria that live inside you. Avoiding processed and high-fat foods is extremely important to maintain a healthy microbiome, as these foods destroy good bacteria and promote the growth of damaging bacteria in your body.
A healthy gut microbiome is essential not only to properly break down the foods you're eating but also for nutrient absorption and toxin elimination. When your gut flora is out of whack, serious problems like bloating, inflammation, constipation and diarrhea can occur.
Here are some of the best foods that will actively improve your gut health.
Whole Grains
If you want your gut to work better, choose whole grains as these provide lots of fiber as well as added nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. It should be noted that optimal colon function requires at least 25 grams of fiber daily.
Leafy greens
Eating a lot of leafy greens allows you to develop an ideal gut microbiome. Green vegetables such as spinach or kale are excellent sources of fiber and nutrients. They also contain a specific type of sugar that helps fuel the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Low-Fructose Fruits
If you’re somebody who’s prone to gas and bloating, you may need to reduce your consumption of high fructose fruits like apples, pears and mangoes. Berries and citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, contain less fructose, making them easier to tolerate and less likely to cause gas. Bananas are another low-fructose fruit that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
Fermented Foods
Fermenting is a method of preserving foods with bacteria and yeast, it not only boosts the food’s shelf life and nutritional value but can give your body a dose of healthy probiotics. When you eat fermented foods such as yogurt, kombucha and kefir you get the live bacteria in them that can benefit your gut health over time.