It is hard to believe that our gut can be the key to unlocking 70% of your immune system, but it turns out this may very well be true! When you have an imbalanced or unhealthy stomach- the type where there’s too much visceral fat on top and/or inflammation present- you increase the risk for various diseases. When we eat food (especially processed food), our body has a hard time digesting it. The result is an inflamed colon lining which can lead to leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut is one cause of autoimmunity because the proteins from these foods can escape into the bloodstream, activating antibodies against them. This post will teach you about some essential foods to improve gut health!
Bananas
You may be surprised to know that bananas are not only healthy fruits, but they are also amazing prebiotics! Prebiotics are plant fibers that fuel the probiotic organisms that reside within our digestive system. Bananas supply these organisms with plenty of fuel to remain alive and active, thus helping us maintain optimal gut health. They also regulate bowel movement considerably! Bananas can be added to various desserts or even blended with milk for an excellent shake.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes contain plenty of soluble fiber, which is good for blood sugar balance and feeds the mitochondria (the energy powerhouse) in our body. The more fuel you give your body’s mitochondria, the more energized it becomes, and therefore it can carry out its tasks efficiently. Sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin C as well, which helps to keep the immune system strong!
Walnuts
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Walnuts also improve gut health by increasing the production of probiotics. The omega-3 fatty acids present in walnuts help to decrease inflammation in the gut, while the fiber helps to regulate bowel movements. Lastly, the antioxidants present in walnuts scavenge the harmful toxins that can damage our cells. This reduces the risk of developing various diseases and it also improves gut health!
Green Beans
Green beans are a rich source of prebiotic fibers that regulate bowel movements, help us maintain optimal digestive health, and they also stabilize blood sugar levels after a meal. They have anti-inflammatory properties as well, so when eaten regularly, you will become less prone to inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis and even cancer!
Blueberries
Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants that scavenge the harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage our cells. One of these toxins is called malondialdehyde which is linked to various diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Blueberries also stimulate the production of probiotics in the gut. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that keep our gut flora in balance, preventing issues such as constipation and diarrhea. Lastly, blueberries contain anti-inflammatory compounds which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
