These Are The Best Foods To Eat For Better Gut Health

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There’s a reason people tell you to trust your gut. The gastrointestinal system is often referred to as your body’s second brain, and its health is significant to your overall well-being. Your gut is responsible for your body’s digestive and immune systems, and eating foods that are high in beneficial bacteria help to keep your gut working efficiently. Here are the best foods to eat for improved gut health.

Coconut Oil

In addition to the looong list of health benefits associated with coconut oil, let’s add that it can benefit your digestive health as well. Coconut oil is an anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial substance. It contains fatty acids that can help kill off any harmful yeast and bacteria. You can use coconut oil on your toast, put it in your smoothies, drizzle it on your popcorn or just eat it by the spoonful.

Garlic

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When it comes to natural remedies that wear many hats, garlic tops the list. Raw garlic gives your body prebiotics — certain types of fiber that humans can’t digest but, instead, provide food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Add raw garlic to your salad dressings, hummus or guac to give your digestive system a helping hand.

Kefir

Kefir is one of the most probiotic-rich foods out there. It’s a creamy cultured product that’s tart and refreshing and similar to drinkable yogurt in appearance. The naturally occurring bacteria and yeast in kefir are amazing for your gut health when you consume it regularly. Even if you’re lactose intolerant, yogurt products like kefir are pretty much loophole dairy products. The beneficial bacteria in kefir help to digest the very lactose that may cause digestive issues in the first place.

Miso

The traditional Japanese seasoning is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji. The fermentation process for making miso promotes the growth of probiotics. The protein-rich paste contributes enzymes to your overall intestinal flora, which helps your digestive system and overall immune system. You can add miso paste to salad dressings, soups, marinades, stir-frys and anything in between that needs a pop of umami flavor.

Bone Broth

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Bone broth might seem like an intimidating concept, but the health benefits are worth it. Making bone broth is also one way to make use of an entire animal and reduce food waste. By simmering the bones, you release amino acids, collagen, gelatin and trace minerals. There are a ton of nutrients in bone broth that are hard to find elsewhere, and the collagen specifically is beneficial to your gut and can help reduce inflammation. You can find bone broth at health food stores, restaurants or order it online through retailers.

Kombucha

With kombucha going mainstream, it’s easier to find, purchase and consume this healthy bacteria. Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that contains the good kind of yeast and bacteria. Kombucha contains probiotics from the fermentation process, which then line your digestive tract and provide support for your overall immune system. These probiotics also help to absorb nutrients and defend against infection.

Sauerkraut And Kimchi

Foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, which are both versions of fermented cabbage, are both somewhat of acquired tastes. If you can get into these fermented cabbages, though, your stomach will thank you. Not only does fermentation help to preserve foods, but it naturally alters the chemistry of foods so that you’re getting those beneficial probiotics when you eat them. You can mix sauerkraut and kimchi into all kinds of pasta and protein dishes or just eat them plain.