It’s no secret that the gut plays an essential role in overall health. After all, the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for breaking down our food, absorbing nutrients, and producing vitamins. The digestive system is in charge of breaking down the food we eat, absorbing nutrients, and manufacturing vitamins. However, research into the health of the gut is still in its infancy as a field of study in the scientific community. Having said that, there are a lot of things we already know about the gut and its connection to the food we eat. In this article, we will discuss some foods that are beneficial to the health of your digestive tract as well as how these foods can have a positive effect on your overall health.
Why is gut health so important?
The digestive tract is a long, complicated organ that is full of complexity and is necessary for life. It’s the part of the body responsible for breaking down the food we eat and turning it into energy. This also includes the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat. The gut also plays a crucial role in the immune system by helping our bodies fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. Beyond these basic functions, the gut also contains millions of bacteria. These bacteria are essential for our health and are often referred to as the “good bugs” as opposed to the harmful “bad bugs.” In fact, about 90% of our immune system is found in the gut. That is why it is of the utmost importance to take care of your gut health and maintain a healthy ecosystem in your gut. If you have a gut disorder, you are more likely to become ill, it will take your body longer to heal, and you will feel more exhausted and run down because your body is having to work so much harder to maintain its normal functions.
Foods that help support gut health
As we mentioned above, the bacteria that reside in our digestive tracts can be classified into a wide variety of categories. These bacteria are necessary for proper digestive function, and when they are in good shape, they are also capable of assisting the body in the fight against pathogenic harmful bacteria and viruses. The following foods are some of the best for promoting a healthy environment within the digestive tract and encouraging the growth of "good" bacteria.
Beans and other legumes
Fiber is an essential component for the upkeep of a healthy gut environment and beans and legumes are two of the best sources of this nutrient. In fact, fiber helps with digestion by removing unwanted bacteria from the gut and promoting healthy bowel movements. Beans, in particular, contain a type of fiber called resistant starch that’s not found in any other types of fiber. The resistant starch found in beans and other legumes is fermented in the gut and produces butyrate – a short-chain fatty acid that helps prevent colon cancer.
Dark leafy greens
There is a type of fiber called manganese that can be found in dark leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, and spinach. The production of enzymes is necessary for healthy digestion and requires manganese as a necessary component. In their most basic form, greens provide your digestive system with a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
Raw produce
Some individuals are under the impression that consuming raw produce is not a good idea because doing so will "kill all the good bacteria" that are found in the gut. That isn’t true. Eating your fruits and vegetables raw helps to maintain healthy gut flora. Prebiotics, which are present in raw produce, are a crucial source of energy for the "good bacteria" in your gut. Basically, prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. They are essential for fostering good bacteria and can stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
Nut butter and seeds
Essential fatty acids and vitamins found in nuts and seeds are fantastic for supporting a healthy gut. Flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and almond butter are some of the best seeds and nuts for gut health. Fatty acids, which are nutrients that can be found in nuts and seeds, are crucial for cell development and repair. They also help keep the digestive tract in tip-top shape by promoting healthy bowel movements and removing unwanted bacteria from the gut.
Conclusion
If you want to look after your overall health, make sure that your digestive system is in good shape. Beans and other legumes, dark leafy greens, raw produce, nut butter, and seeds are just some examples of the many foods that can aid in maintaining a healthy gut environment. Healthy eating goes beyond just what you put in your mouth, so keep that in mind. It also requires regular exercise, stress management, and adequate rest. To keep the production of good microbes in your gut going, you’re going to have to keep exercising, making it part of your overall lifestyle.
Increasing physical activity can:
- ? Make your bowel movements more regular
- ? Improve the health of your gut microbiome
- ? Boost your immune system
- ? Increase your metabolism
- ? Reduce stress levels
- ? Prevent colon cancer
So if you’re looking to boost your gut health, getting active, and making better food choices is a great place to start.
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