Improve Your Gut Health with these Nutritious Foods

Let’s start with probiotics which are microorganisms that maintain or improve the good bacteria in your system. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as good bacteria. By comparison, prebiotics act as food for human microflora. They are promoted and consumed with the intention of improving the balance of crucial microorganisms.

Apart from gut health, probiotics aid immune function. Did you know that a large portion of the immune system is located in the gut? Probiotics can modulate immune responses and reduce the risk of infections and allergies. These microorganisms also help improve mental health, as recent evidence suggests. These may have a positive impact on people who suffer from anxiety and depression.

Several foods can deliver probiotics into the system. Let’s take you through some of these and see if any one of them is up your alley.

One way to increase your daily dose of probiotics is by having a bowl of yogurt (or more if your heart desires).

However, it is important to understand how probiotics vary on the strains present in the yogurt and consumers’ health conditions. It is better to seek professional help if you have specific health concerns or conditions.

A product similar to yogurt, but thinner and drinkable, is kefir. This is another rich source of injecting probiotics into the system and can definitely boost your digestive health and immune support. Microorganisms are also a great way to enhance the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

The probiotics present in yogurt can also help reduce blood pressure. If you are a woman or have women in the family, encouraging yourself or them to have their yogurt will increase their vaginal health. This helps create a healthy balance of bacteria present in the vaginal area.

Moreover, there is also the added benefit of improving dental health. There are some probiotics that fend off the growth of harmful bacteria that grow in the mouth and are detrimental to your health. In addition, the microbiome impacts many aspects of a human’s health, and keeping it balanced with the help of probiotics can be seen as essential.

Fermented foods are a great source of probiotics and the sheer delight that is the Korean side dish kimchi means there are no excuses for missing out. One of the potentials of probiotics in kimchi is that it can also help you manage your weight. 

Recent research has suggested that probiotics help consumers manage or even lose weight. This is done after the microorganisms take their place in the body and start influencing the gut microbiota and metabolic processes.

Kimchi is seen as particularly useful due to the fact that it contains a host of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect our cells from any damage. Like the other edibles that deposit probiotics into the system, kimchi is great for helping the digestive system, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and helping cardiovascular health.

This fermented cabbage is popular in many European countries. Once again, the fermentation allows the creation of probiotics in the product. 

Sauerkraut contains antioxidants such as vitamin C which protect from harmful substances damaging cells and neutralize detrimental free radical cells.

If you want your probiotics from this particular bitter veggie, make sure you get the ones that are naturally fermented. Those made with vinegar are not deemed as effective. Those pickles that are brimmed in saltwater are a great source of beneficial microorganisms.

Those pickles that are made from vegetables such as cucumbers contain antioxidants that once again, help neutralize free radicals. Much like many other foods rich in probiotics, these also protect our body’s cells from damage.

Prebiotics are necessary because they serve as the meal for the probiotics that you have just eaten or consumed. Managing to get through the human digestive system in one piece, prebiotics pass through and reach the colon where they encourage the growth of probiotics. They are known to colonize the gut and exert their effects directly.

Here are some of the top sources of prebiotics in popular foods:

Garlic provides plenty of food for probiotics to grow within our system, thanks to its rich fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content. Similarly, onions also have a high concentration of FOS, making them a valuable prebiotic food.

Leeks contain a decent amount of inulin and FOS, making them a rich source of nutrition for probiotics.

Asparagus boasts inulin and other fibers that nourish and support the growth of probiotics in the gut.

• Bananas: Particularly the green variety, have a concentration of resistant starch, which serves as a prebiotic and provides nourishment for probiotics.
• Barley and Oats: Contains beta-glucan fiber with prebiotic properties, and oats are also an excellent source of glucan fiber that fosters prebiotic effects.
• Apples: When eaten with the skin on, apples contain pectin, another fiber with prebiotic properties.
• Flaxseeds: They’re filled with soluble and insoluble fibers that can act as prebiotics.
• Wheat Bran: It is home to a variety of fibers that support gut health and nourish probiotics.

Incorporating these prebiotic-rich foods into your diet can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, promoting overall digestive health and well-being.

At Dietitian Live, we believe in making sure that you get the best advice when it comes to getting the most out of prebiotics and probiotics. Our team of experienced dietitians understands the intricate balance needed to maintain a healthy gut and how to integrate these beneficial elements into your diet effectively.

Take the first step towards better gut health with Dietitian Live. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to make informed dietary choices. Book an appointment today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you.