A healthy microbiome and well-functioning gut are absolutely essential for optimal digestion, absorption of nutrients, elimination of toxins, and your overall health. Compromised gut flora may lead to a leaky gut syndrome, an underlying cause of many digestive issues and other health complaints, including chronic pain, fatigue, and autoimmune diseases.
Take control of your health and nourish your body with gut-friendly foods that promote well-being. Learn about the best gut-health foods and incorporate them into your diet today.
Here Are The Top 5 Gut-nourishing foods
White Cabbage
White cabbage is fermented cabbage that serves as fantastic gut-health food. They are not only rich in fiber, but they are also loaded with good bacteria. White cabbage helps a healthy gut microbiome balance, promote smooth digestion, and helps to prevent the leaky gut syndrome.
Yogurt
Speaking of fermented foods, yogurt is another fantastic gut-nourishing food. It is made with fermented milk and is incredibly rich in probiotics. It helps to balance your gut flora, reduce digestive distress, and prevent the leaky gut syndrome.
You may find yogurt and kefir at any grocery store. Make sure to buy organic and avoid added sugar and artificial ingredients. If you are intolerant to dairy or avoid dairy for other reasons, you may find dairy-free yogurt and kefir options made from coconut milk or nut milk. These dairy-free options are also fantastic gut-friendly foods.
Dandelion Greens
You may remember waving dandelion crowns as a kid. As an adult, you can use green leaves as a gut-health food that grows everywhere in the spring. Yes, the dandelions in your backyard are gut-nourishing free food. Dandelion greens may help to improve gastric motility relaxing the muscles between your stomach and small intestines. As a result, this ubiquitous plant will improve your digestion and prevent the leaky gut syndrome. Dandelions may reduce inflammation balance your blood sugar, and lower blood pressure.
Onions
Onions are one of the best gut-nourishing foods. They are rich in prebiotics that support your healthy digestion. They also contain flavonoids and antioxidants, including quercetin that fight free-radical damage. Besides boosting your gut health, they are beneficial for your immune system and heart health.
You may enjoy onions raw or cooked. They add a delicious flavor to most soups, salads, stir-fries, baked vegetables, and other main dishes.
Garlic
When talking about the best gut-nourishing foods, you cannot forget about garlic. As fantastic prebiotics, they have similar benefits as onions do. They are rich in manganese, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6. It has a significant antibacterial effect and also works against parasites and fungi, like candida.
Functional & Integrative Medicine in Lexington, KY
If you are experiencing digestive troubles or suspect that the root cause of your health issues is your gut health, functional, and integrative medicine in Lexington, KY, is very helpful. Integrative medicine aims to heal the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms. Fadi Bacha, M.D. practices integrative and internal medicine at Anti-Aging Insitute located in Lexington, KY. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
