Gut Health and Disease: Is the Microbiome the Key to Curing Chronic Diseases?

Gut Health Foods - 15 Foods For Good Gut Health

Confused about what to eat and what not to eat? With so much information online about healthy eating, it can be tricky to be sure about what health foods are best for a healthy gut.

So here’s our guide to best foods for gut health. In no particular order, here's some tasty and unusual foods that are also good for your insides.

1. Yoghurt

Live yoghurt is an excellent source of so-called friendly bacteria, also known as probiotics. Look out for sugar-free, full-fat versions and add your own fruit for a tasty breakfast. Yoghurt drinks can contain high numbers of bacteria that are good for the gut, far more than you would find in a normal yoghurt.  Do be mindful though as they can have a high sugar content. 

2. Kefir

This probiotic yoghurt drink is made by fermenting milk and is packed with good bacteria (which can help to reduce a leaky gut). It originated in the mountainous region between Asia and Europe, as well as Russia and Central Asia. It also makes a great addition to smoothies and soups, or you can use it as a base for salad dressing (add lemon juice and seasoning).

3. Miso

Miso is made from fermented soya beans, plus barley or rice, and contains a range of goodies such as helpful bacteria and enzymes. A savoury paste used in dips, dressings and soup, it can also be used as a marinade for salmon or tofu. It’s a staple of Japanese cooking and suitable if you’re avoiding dairy. There is uncertainty within the research that the bacteria effectively reach the gut, nevertheless in regions where Miso is a staple fermented food source the population have better gut health and less bowel disease. 

4. Sauerkraut

This is finely chopped cabbage that has been fermented. This great source of probiotics, fibre and vitamins is best known as a German dish, but versions exist in Eastern and Central Europe. Choose a product that has not been pickled in vinegar, as that doesn’t have the same benefits. It’s delicious served with sausages, and can be cheap and easy to make at home. 

5. Kimchi

This Korean speciality of fermented vegetables brings the benefits of probiotic bacteria along with vitamins and fibre. Use it as a lively side dish with meat, salad or eggs. It’s so popular that Koreans say “kimchi” in the same way that we say “cheese” when they have their photos taken.

6. Sourdough

This is very fashionable at the moment, but there’s a good reason for that. Made by fermenting the dough, it’s more digestible than regular bread and its energy releases slowly. It makes fantastic toast too.

7. Almonds

These have good probiotic properties, which means they are a treat for your gut bacteria – high in fibre, and full of fatty acids and polyphenols. A handful of almonds makes an excellent snack when you’re feeling peckish.

8. Olive oil

Gut bacteria and gut microbes like a diet of fatty acids and polyphenols. These are found in olive oil. Studies have shown that it helps reduce gut inflammation. Use it for salad dressing or drizzle it over cooked vegetables. Some studies have also found olive oil to be beneficial in easing indigestion problems and can also benefit your pancreas through lowering its requirement to produce digestive enzymes. 

9. Kombucha

We all know water is crucial for gut health, but what else can you drink? Kombucha is a fermented tea drink thought to have originated in Manchuria that is full of probiotic good bacteria. It has a sharp, vinegary taste and can be used as a refreshing drink on its own or mixed with fruit and spices. It also makes the base for great cocktails.

10. Peas

Gut bacteria need fibre to flourish, so the more fruit and vegetables you consume the better. Peas are full of soluble and insoluble fibre to help keep your system in balance. Add peas to stir-fries, soups or salads.

11. Brussels sprouts

Much more than a festive staple, they contain the kinds of fibre that good bacteria like and sulphur compounds which help combat unhealthy bacteria such as H pylori. Stir-fry with garlic and bacon for a delicious side dish.

12. Bananas

One of nature’s handiest and healthiest snacks, bananas are full of the kind of fibre that good bacteria enjoy. They also contain healthy minerals.

13. Roquefort cheese

Live, runny, smelly French cheese* will give your gut bacteria a boost – but eat it in moderation. Add it to salads or spread it on your sourdough. Whilst we cannot be ensured that all of the bacteria survive digestion to be beneficial it is believed that other properties help preserve some bacteria during digestion.    

14. Garlic 

Garlic, with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, can help keep “bad” gut bacteria under control and help balance yeast in the gut. Use it as a flavouring for savoury dishes. The properties within garlic act as a fuel source to allow the bacteria to do their job better which overall improves gut function and can help heal your gut. 

15. Ginger

Fresh ginger can help in the production of stomach acid and it stimulates the digestive system to keep food moving through the gut. Add fresh grated ginger to soups, stews, smoothies or stir-fries. Pour boiling water on grated ginger to make refreshing ginger tea.

Why not learn more about your gut health by visiting our Gut Health Hub. Along with the article about best foods for good gut health, discover some fascinating facts about your gut, ways to keep regular bowel movements, and learn more about understanding symptoms associated with your stomach and the digestive system.

What are probiotics?

You may have seen yoghurts or yoghurt drinks that contain probiotics on the supermarket shelves. These live cultures and yeasts are are frequently described as ‘good' or 'healthy' gut bacteria, or simply a ‘gut-friendly’ bacteria. The belief is that probiotics boost the number and variety of beneficial, or good, bacteria in the colon, to help your digestive and possibly general health. Fermented vegetables such as kimchi (Korean pickled cabbage) and sauerkraut, miso and kefir (a fermented milk) are ingredients that are also naturally rich in probiotics and have become go-to gut health foods in recent years.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. They essentially provide the food that the probiotics need to thrive. Examples are artichokes, leeks, onions, garlic, asparagus, bananas, legumes, honey, oats and lentils. Prebiotics can also be manufactured artificially and used as supplements for better gut health.

Read our article about probiotics and prebiotics, and learn more about these healthy bacteria and how they work.

* Live runny cheeses are best avoided during pregnancy 

NOTE: Altering your diet suddenly may cause changes in bowel habits or other symptoms.

https://www.benenden.co.uk/be-healthy/nutrition/gut-food-15-foods-for-good-gut-health/

If you have digestive issues, you’re not alone. Each year, nearly 70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases, from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Many factors affect your gut health, like your family and genetic history and how your body is built. There are also factors you can control, like stress and diet. When your gut functions properly, there’s a good balance of bacteria helping your body process and get energy from the foods you eat, clear toxins, fight against disease, and boost your mood. You’re also free of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, loose stools, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Here are 10 warning signs you may have an unhealthy gut.

1. You have an upset stomach. Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste.
    
2. You feel tired more often than not. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut. One study found that almost half of people with fatigue also had IBS.
    
3. You have trouble sleeping in general. An unhealthy gut can cause insomnia or poor sleep, which leads to fatigue. The majority of your body’s serotonin, which affects mood and sleep, is produced in the gut. So, when there’s bacteria or inflammation in the gut, your sleep may be affected as well.
    
4. You are intolerant to some foods. Food intolerances may be caused by poor quality of bacteria in the gut. You may have a food intolerance if you struggle to digest certain foods. This can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
    
5. You have extreme food cravings, especially sugar. Eating too much sugar can cause too much “bad” bacteria in the gut. High amounts of sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, are linked to inflammation in the body and puts you at risk for other diseases.
    
6. You have unintentional weight gain or loss. When your gut is imbalanced, your body may struggle to absorb nutrients, store fat, and regulate blood sugar. Weight loss or gain may be caused by bacteria overgrowth or lack of nutrients.
    
7. You have skin irritations. Some skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis may be related to gut issues.
    
8. You get migraines. There may be a link between headaches and gut health, especially if you experience nausea or vomiting with migraines. Studies suggest that people with frequent headaches are more likely to have gastrointestinal disorders too.
    
9. You have autoimmune problems. Some “bad” gut bacteria may trigger autoimmune conditions like thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.
    
10. You have frequent mood changes. Gut problems and inflammation in the nervous system can lead to anxiety and depression.

So, how do you balance your gut health?

• Add probiotics to your diet. Probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. You can take these in vitamin form or, preferably, from natural sources like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and kimchi.
• Limit processed foods and sugar. Instead, get nutrients from plant-based foods and lean proteins. A diet high in fiber can promote a healthy gut.
• Eat slowly. Chew thoroughly and eat slowly to fully digest your food and help your body absorb all its nutrients.
• Eliminate food intolerances. If certain foods always cause cramping, nausea, or acid reflux, you may have a food intolerance. Try an elimination diet to determine your trigger foods, then remove them from your diet completely
• Drink water. You’ve heard it before, but staying hydrated really does improve your body’s overall health. Drinking water aids with digestion.
• Have a grocery game plan. Avoid the center aisles with processed foods and refined sugars and stay around the outside of the grocery store. Choose healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly. Moving your body improves the healthy microbes in your body, keeps your bowel movements regular, and prevents disease while improving your overall health.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours each night. Proper sleep helps to balance your hormones and prevent many scenarios that can negatively impact your digestive health, like stress or eating too close to bedtime.
• Reduce stress. Some studies show that people who have early life stress more likely to develop IBS. Finding ways to manage your stress can help manage your gut, too.
• Avoid or quit smoking. Smoking can harm your digestive system in many ways—from heartburn and ulcers to liver disease and cancer. If you smoke, try to quit. Get medical help if you need it.
• Talk to your doctor. There’s no better time or place than the doctor’s office to talk about gut health. Tell your doctor about your symptoms, pain rating, recent changes, and health goals.

https://www.frederickhealth.org/news/2021/july/10-signs-of-an-unhealthy-gut/#:~:text=Frequent%20discomfort%2C%20gas%2C%20bloating%2C,have%20imbalances%20in%20the%20gut.