5 Best Foods For Your Gut Health 

Your digestive system is critical to your overall well-being. The foods that you eat dictate, to a large extent, how well your gut functions. Eating a lot of unhealthy foods can cause your gut’s health to deteriorate so much as to require the intervention of an Austin gastroenterologist.

Fortunately, plenty of foods can improve your gut health while minimizing the likelihood of developing diseases. Here is what you should eat to ensure your digestive system functions optimally.

Yogurt 

Yogurt is great for your gut health. It is rich in good bacteria, also known as probiotics. These bacteria are essential to the proper functioning of your digestive tract.

Natural, sugar-free yogurt is the best type of yogurt for your gut health. Although flavored yogurts are still rich in probiotics, they tend to contain excess sugar, which is detrimental to your health.

You can also substitute yogurt with other fermented drinks, such as Kefir. Additionally, be creative in your mode of consuming yogurt. For instance, consider adding it to smoothies and soups or using it as a base for salad dressings. 

Garlic 

Garlic has long been hailed as an extremely healthy food for millennia. Its benefits are particularly evident when it comes to gut health. Garlic is rich in inulin, a functional fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the gut.

Additionally, garlic reduces bad bacteria in the digestive system and ensures that yeast levels in the gut are balanced. Moreover, garlic has anti-oxidant properties that promote gut health tremendously. 

Almonds 

Eating a handful of almonds regularly is excellent for your gut health. Almonds have probiotics, which enhance the functioning of your digestive system. They also are rich in fiber which is great for digestion.

Additionally, almonds boost butyrate production, a short-chain fatty acid that plays numerous essential roles in the digestive system. For one, it provides fuel for the cells that line the colon. Additionally, it regulates nutrient absorption and promotes immunity. 

Olive Oil 

Olive oil is yet another useful ingredient that can improve the performance of your gut. The oil is rich in polyphenols, which protect cells from inflammation. It also eases indigestion and can enhance the functioning of the pancreas.

One of the best things about olive oil is its versatility. You can use it to prepare meals, as a salad dressing, or even pour some on top of your cooked vegetables. 

Bananas 

Bananas are a super-food when it comes to improving your digestion. They are rich in minerals, fiber, inulin, and probiotics. Inulin, in particular, promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut, thus ensuring that it functions correctly.

If you often experience irritation and discomfort in your gut, eating a banana can help alleviate the pain. Bananas are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that eases digestion and promotes bowel function. Additionally, pectin helps lower bad cholesterol levels. 

 

When it comes to gut health, you are what you eat. Eating many of the foods discussed in this post as often as possible can help promote gut health and reduce the impact of digestive diseases. Be sure to try them: your gut will thank you.