If you are in tune with the health and fitness industry, you will hear the phrase gut health repeated often. Why is this buzzword garnering a lot of attention? Why is gut health so important?
Gut health refers to the balance of micro-organisms that live in the digestive tract. There is a delicate balance of essential microbes in the gut, and this balance is critical.
The spheres of modern life such as little sleep, eating processed high-sugar foods, and even anxiety can upset your “gut feeling” or, as the experts call it, the gut microbiome.
The optimum balance of these micro-organisms is what ensures desirable physical health, mental health, and immunity.
When your gut health is not right, bloating, diarrhoea, stomach pain for no reason, and many other conditions can occur, seemingly out of nowhere. When a person’s microbiome is thrown out of function, he or she can suffer from physical problems.
Although the concept of gut healing may sound intimidating, there are simple interventions you can implement to begin your healing journey. Nutrition is the most cost-effective and low-risk intervention tool we have to begin healing the gut.
Many people are turning to gut-healing foods to help them get their digestive systems back on track.
As new research continues to uncover the critical role of the microbiome in overall health and immunity, it is becoming more important than ever to eat the right foods to support digestive health.
Read on to learn some of the best foods to keep your gut - and body - healthy.
Kimchi
A staple in Korean cuisine, kimchi is a spicy, fermented cabbage dish filled with probiotics to promote a healthy gut.
In addition to its gut health properties, kimchi is made with cruciferous vegetables that contain nutrients with powerful antioxidant properties that may help prevent some types of cancer.
Cow’s ghee
Cow’s ghee considered the best fat on earth, is a versatile ingredient that supports overall well-being.
Cold in nature and sweet in taste, cow’s ghee improves digestion, nourishes tissues, strengthens muscles, and enhances various bodily functions.
It is beneficial for people of all ages and can be consumed regularly to promote health and vitality.
Fatty fish
Research has shown that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in fatty fish are great for your digestive health. They can help balance the bacteria in your gut and support the production of the compounds your body needs to fight inflammation.
They can also boost the immune system and repair damage to the intestinal wall which could trigger leaky gut syndrome. Examples of fatty fish high in omega-3s include salmon, sardines, Atlantic mackerel, and albacore tuna.
Fennel
Chewing fennel seeds after a meal can also help aid digestion, as well as prevent gas post-meals. Fennel itself is high in fibre and is a prebiotic food. Thinly slice it to add to salads and sandwiches, or garnish dishes with the fronds.
Garlic
Garlic works over time for gut health as a prebiotic, providing food for the good bacteria in your gut. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that help support your immune system.
There are many ways you can add garlic to your diet, from delicious melting potatoes to cosy casseroles.
Miso
Miso is also a fermented product that delivers a healthy dose of good bacteria. Fermented from soybeans, it is a common ingredient in traditional Japanese cooking.
But miso has become a popular ingredient in many recipes - especially plant-based recipes.
Miso paste can be found in most grocery stores, and it can easily be added to soups, salad dressings, marinades for meats and vegetables, dipping sauces, and stir-fries.