Do you want to be more health conscious? Maybe you’re experiencing some side effects of poor gut health like constipation, gas, and bloating, and want to find ways to improve your symptoms. Or you might want to lose a little weight and are looking for a list of nutrient-dense foods with lots of health benefits. We want to share some of the worst foods you should avoid, as well as things you should add to your diet. So, what are the best foods for gut health? Keep reading to find out!
Best Foods for Gut Health
1. Pre & Probiotic Foods
Probiotics are living microorganisms that encourage healthy bacteria growth in the gut, and prebiotics are compounds that act as food for the probiotics. Your gut microbiome needs a healthy balance of good bacteria so that there’s no room for bad bacteria to grow and thrive. Good sources of probiotics include fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, and pickled vegetables. Prebiotics are found in things like onion, leek, garlic, asparagus, and other raw veggies.
2. Colorful Veggies
Beets, carrots, broccoli, artichokes, mushrooms, squash, and dark leafy greens are some of the best foods for gut health because of their high antioxidant and vitamin content. Many vegetables and fruits mentioned contain plant chemicals called polyphenols that your gut microbiome utilizes for a variety of digestive benefits.
3. Berries & Citrus Fruits
Fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, oranges, grapefruits, and kiwi are fantastic sources of nutrients and are versatile when it comes to your diet. Eat them fresh or add them to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, etc. Frozen fruit is good too! Check labels for packaged or canned fruit, and make sure you buy ones without added sugar or canned in heavy syrups.
4. Nuts & Seeds
Healthy fats found in nuts and seeds, as well as avocado and olive oil, are also considered to be some of the best foods for gut health. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and sunflower seeds are easy snacks to grab on the go, and they’re also great to add to salads, oatmeal, and other meals for added texture and nutrition.
5. Seafood
Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish are great for your gut. Seafood in particular is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, so try to eat more tuna, mackerel, and salmon if you want to boost your overall health. Making protein a priority on your plate will help you stay full and satisfied.
6. Fiber-Rich Foods
Fruit, veggies, nuts, and seeds are all high in fiber, one of the most important nutrients for good gut health. Fiber keeps your bowels regular, keeps you feeling full longer, and ensures your body is digesting your food well. A few specific fiber-rich foods to eat more of include bananas, apples, pears, beans, lentils, and whole grains.
Worst Foods for Gut Health
Now that you know about the best foods for gut health, here are a few categories of foods to limit and avoid:
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Refined Oils
- Processed Foods
- Alcohol
While you don’t have to cut out these foods entirely, it’s important to regulate how much processed, fried, and packaged foods you consume so it doesn’t overtake the amount of whole foods in your diet since these are often triggers for poor gut health symptoms.
A Gut Health Supplement For You
Glutamine is essential for your body to strengthen the gut lining, fight off toxins, and it’s also involved in numerous chemical reactions and immune-boosting functions. Low levels of this amino acid can lead to a decline in your health, so if you’re looking for ways to boost your gut and overall wellness, ask your healthcare provider about the benefits of taking a glutathione supplement.
Get L-Glutamine Powder from our online store today, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any questions about it or this list of the best foods for gut health. We are happy to help however we can!
