The best foods for your gut

Your gut is an important organ in your body that contains over 40 trillion bacteria working hard constantly to give your body energy. This is just one of the reasons eating the right foods is so important.

The experts at House Call Doctor have let you know what the best foods are for your gut and how you can be happier and healthier in every day life.

Why is gut health important?

The gut is made up of numerous microbes that have an effect on your body’s physiology and brain function.  Many studies suggest the microbes in the gut determine how your body stores fat, how it responds to hormones, and how it balances your blood sugar levels. If you have the wrong mix of microbes, it can lead to obesity and other health problems later down the track.

To put it simply, you gut plays a crucial role in the health of your brain and your body.

What foods are good for gut health?

Healthy, positive bacteria are often referred to “gut bugs”.These good gut bugs allow you body to easily consume and absorb nutrients, vitamins, and fight against toxins and diseases.

The experts at House Call Doctor say that to maintain a healthy gut, it all depends on what you eat or drink. So, here’s a list of some of the foods that are good for your gut:

• Fibre: Fibre is one of the best foods for you gut. Only about 3 per cent of Americans get the recommended daily dose of 40 grams of fibre they need each day for their gut. Fibre is richly filled with numerous gut bugs, which can prevent obesity, increase immune system function and decrease inflammation. In particular, fibre can help protect your body against a common gut disorder known is diverticulitis (also known as inflammation of the intestine). The foods that are filled with fibre can include wholegrain breakfast cereals, oats, berries, beans, nuts, potatoes (with the skin), carrots and peas.
• Fermented Foods: Believe it or not, fermented foods can be really healthy for your gut. These types of food can decrease the number of unhealthy bacteria and help improve how many minerals your gut’s absorbing. Fermentation occurs when bacteria or yeast is added to food. The bacteria then feeds on the natural sugars, causing the creation of lactic acid or alcohol. This then helps preserve the food and produces probiotics, which can really help with gut health. Sauerkraut is a perfect example of healthy fermented foods. It is made up of fermented cabbaged, which is high in vitamin B and also acts as an iron absorber.
• Seaweed: Seaweed is highly rich in nutrients and fibre. A Japanese study showed that eating a lot of seaweed will help improve your gut health. Brown seaweed especially can strengthen gut mucus, slow down the rate of digestion and help slow the amount of energy released by foods.

Like the saying goes, you are what you eat. So, help your body out and eat some food that will make your inner gut happy.