Discover the best foods for gut health and why you must add them to your diet.

It’s no surprise that the food you eat has a direct effect on your digestive system. However, many people do not realize what you eat is key to the proper function of your entire body. With so much information available about what should and should not be eaten, it can be overwhelming to know what to incorporate into your daily diet. Discover foods that improve your gut health and keep the body systems running properly.

What is Gut Health?

Gut health refers to the proper function of the digestive system, the body system responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. Gut health is essential for the overall functioning of the body and can also reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses.

Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining gut health. It is recommended to avoid processed foods and consume whole foods that are high in fiber.

Foods to Improve Gut Health

Include these five foods in your diet to quickly improve gut health—people often see changes overnight!

Yogurt  

Yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics that promote gut health and boost the immune system. However, it’s important to monitor the sugar content, as many yogurts can be high in added sugars.

Oats

Oats, or oatmeal, are a great source of fiber, which is helpful in maintaining gut health by regulating blood sugar levels. Oats are also great for a natural energy boost due to the way they are broken down during digestion. However, similar to yogurt, keep an eye on the sugar content, as many oatmeals contain added sugars. It’s recommended to use natural oats and add fruits for natural sugars instead.

Bananas

You may have heard that when dealing with diarrhea or constipation, eating a banana could help regulate your bowel functions. This is true! Bananas are rich in fiber and a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and helps regulate your digestive system.

Almonds

Almonds also have the ability to feed the good bacteria in the gut and help regulate the digestive system. Even more, almonds are high in fiber and full of fatty acids to act as a perfect snack to subside your hunger while keeping your gut healthy.

Kombucha

Water is not the only drink that can aid in gut health. Kombucha, a fermented tea drink full of probiotics, keeps your gut healthy and assists in detoxifying the body.

Important Note: When adding new food to your diet, it is important to be cautious of food allergies. If you or a loved one suspect symptoms of an allergic reaction and need immediate medical attention, NW Indiana ER & Hospital has you covered. Our team of expert physicians can quickly alleviate your symptoms and get you feeling your best.

Why is Gut Health Important?

Maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential for the proper functioning of other systems in the body, like the nervous and cardiovascular systems. The health of your gut impacts every system that ensures the proper functioning of your body, so if your gut health is not in check, it can affect every organ. Additionally, about 70-80% of your immune system is located in the gut. Most chronic illnesses have been linked to gut health, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and many others.

Common Gut Health Questions Answered

Can Gut Health Affect Weight?

Yes. Your weight loss, or gain, will be a direct result of the health of your gut. The bacteria in your gut determine how foods are digested and stored, as well as determining your hunger levels.

Can Gut Health Affect Skin?

The skin is usually a great indicator of what is going on in the gut. So, the answer is yes. It is usually the first place you’ll notice symptoms of a gut-related issue. If there is an imbalance in the gut, you may experience inflammation of chronic skin conditions or dull, dry skin.

Can Gut Health Affect Mental Health?

Yes, a healthy gut promotes mental wellness. The gut is connected to the brain through millions of nerves that communicate with each other. Imbalances in the gut disrupt the body’s communication and have been linked to various mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, mood swings, and more. In fact, studies show that 95% of the body’s serotonin, the “happy” hormone, is produced in the intestine. The healthier your gut, the happier you could be!

If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of a health emergency, NW Indiana ER & Hospital is here for you. Our team of expert physicians and staff are ready to provide you with compassionate care and advanced treatment options to ensure you feel better than when you arrive. We are open 24/7, so come in and experience the compassionate, expert care you deserve!

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, NW Indiana ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.