Your digestive health solely depends on how the gut microbiome interacts with the nutrients in food. If you want to say goodbye to bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping, you should add nutrient-rich foods to your diet.
Read on to learn six superfoods for better digestion and a healthier gut.
1. Banana
Bananas, whether ripe or unripe, are a powerhouse of nutrients that support gut health. First, they’re rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that soothes the gut to improve peristalsis. Also, the resistant starch in bananas has prebiotic properties, which increase healthy stomach bacteria that aid digestion.
2. Garlic
Garlic does more than add flavor to your dishes. It has a non-digestible carbohydrate called inulin that is food for gut microbiome. This enables them to multiply and do their digestive work efficiently. Low or mildly cooked garlic has prebiotic properties, which a study shows supports the growth of acidophilus probiotic bacteria useful in curbing diarrhea.
3. Kefir
If you’re lactose tolerant, kefir should be a regular drink in your diet. Its main ingredient is fermented milk, meaning it has ingestible bacteria and lactic acid. The bacteria present in the drink increase balance in gut microbiota while improving digestion. Also, they reduce gut inflammation.
4. Prunes
If you frequently suffer from constipation, eating prunes can help reduce it. They’re rich in insoluble fiber that helps with peristalsis, which moderates digestion and absorption of water from food. Also, they contain sorbitol, which increases stool frequency.
5. Pistachio
Pistachio nuts are rich in fiber and proteins. This nutrient combination helps modulate healthy bacteria in the colon while keeping away the pathogenic bacteria. As such, these nuts prevent constipation and add bulk to stools.
6. Watercress
Most people overlook watercress because of its peppery and pungent flavor. However, its nutritional value surpasses that of other leafy vegetables. It’s rich in antioxidants that reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
Keep Your Gut Healthy
Your gut health affects your overall body health. With these six superfoods, you can prevent the unpleasantries caused by an unhealthy gut.
