Nutrition for Your Gut

Gut health has become a big topic of concern in recent years, though the link between your gut and other health issues is nowhere new near. If you have noticed that when you are having stomach problems, you also experience other ailments, you’re not alone. Gut health is really important, and it typically starts with your nutrition. Here are some tips for eating right for your gut health.

Think About Foods That Are Gentle on Your Stomach

Before you look at foods that can help with your gut health and what to avoid, it helps to understand your own stomach. Pay close attention to foods that irritate it in any way. This might be with stomach cramps, nausea, heartburn, or bowel issues. Sometimes it can be subtle, but the more mindful you are during and after a meal, the more you will notice patterns with certain types of food.

For example, some people notice that they have nausea or bloating when consuming too much dairy, while others experience cramping from artificial sweeteners or foods with a lot of additives. Keep a food journal to notice what is gentle or rough on your stomach.

Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods

The two most important categories of food to add to your diet for proper gut health are prebiotic foods and probiotic foods. Prebiotic foods are ones that help you to expand the healthy bacteria in your gut. Some foods that are considered prebiotics include legumes, garlic, chicory, asparagus, garlic, and onions.

Then there are probiotics. You might have seen probiotic supplements, but you can also get these from your food. For probiotics, you want to look at different forms of dairy like yogurt and cottage cheese, as well as fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha. Kimchi, miso, kefir, and tempeh are also amazing probiotic foods.

Eat Your Greens (And Every Other Color)

When it comes to proper nutrition for your body, you know that vegetables and fruits are good for you! Greens especially are so important for getting a good amount of vitamins and minerals, but you can also look at adding a rainbow of vegetables and fruits to your diet. Not only will you get more nutrients that help with your gut health, but you can also increase your fiber which is amazing for your digestive health.

Keep Your Meals Simple and Balanced

One of the best overall things you can do with your diet is to keep it simple and balanced. Avoid diets that restrict your foods unless it’s necessary for a medical condition. Otherwise, just aim for a healthy balance of proteins, fats, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods and adjust accordingly.