10 Foods That Promote Gut Health

The gut is considered our second brain, so when it’s out of work, our overall health might suffer the consequences as well. Here are the foods you should consider to promote gut health.

Our microbiome is literally the powerhouse of our health. Science has extensively studied the connection between the brain and the gut and found - among many other things - that most of the immune responses are located in the GI tract.

That said, it’s crucial to have a healthy and balanced microbiome. Some foods contain prebiotics and probiotics that are the key to a healthy gut. Here they are:

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent source of live bacteria - called probiotics. Search for labels with the ‘Live & Active Cultures’ seal that guarantees 100 million probiotic cultures per gram. For healthier options, be aware of the sugar content as well.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented beverage made by adding bacteria and yeast to black or green tea with sugar. It’s a great source of probiotics, and industrialized versions can contain more sugar than you’d expect. So, just like yogurt, be aware of that.

Tempeh

Tempeh is fermented soybeans, and it’s a staple in Indonesian cuisine. It’s one of the best sources of both protein and probiotics, especially for those following a plant-based diet. It’s lean, high in fiber, and in prebiotics.

Beans

Beans are nutritious, high in protein and fiber. Fiber helps maintain a healthy digestive system but don’t worry about the flatulence - experiencing a little gas is okay, and the body builds tolerance over time.

Asparagus

Similar to legumes, asparagus is rich in fiber and prebiotics - which feed healthy bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Also, asparagus helps the body rid of toxins and some pesticides that are harmful to the gut.

Sauerkraut

A staple in German cuisine, sauerkraut is fermented cabbage made by dry curing cabbage with salt. The mixture is fermented, and after a few days, it’s ready to consume. You can also find canned sauerkraut available in most grocery stores.

Kimchi

We’ve already shared our love kimchi and Korean food here. The fermented Korean version of sauerkraut is served in Korea at any time - from breakfast to dinner. In addition, kimchi may help to reduce inflammation, and it may lower LDL cholesterol.

Raspberries

Don’t overestimate a food by its size. Raspberries are packed with nutrients! A cup of these delicious berries comes with half of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C and eight grams of fiber. Do you want more? It’s also rich in antioxidants.

Almonds

One ounce of almonds contains 6 grams of plant protein, 3.5 grams of fiber, healthy fat, and a wealth of other nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and so much more. Daily consumption of almonds will keep your gut satisfied.

Brussels Sprouts

Packed with the type of fiber that maintains gut healthy, brussels sprouts have sulfur compounds that help combat unhealthy bacteria such as H pylori. It’s also rich in protein, vitamin K, C, A, and folate.