6 Best Foods to eat when you have a gut problem

Our gut is home to many beneficial bacteria, and a healthy balance of these microbes is crucial for overall health. Unfortunately, certain factors may upset this balance, resulting in an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a condition known as a gut imbalance. For instance, some diet changes, medications, or even stress can alter the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, resulting in uncomfortable bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea. The best way to get your gut back on track is to start with a clean slate and introduce foods that will help restore its natural balance. You can even try a probiotic yogourt drink – all these will help keep your gut in balance. Here are the six best foods to eat when you have a gut problem.

1. Apples

Apples contain a dietary fibre called pectin, which studies have found can help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Apples are also rich in magnesium, which studies have found can boost the activity of probiotics in the digestive tract. Apples also contain a type of carbohydrate called polysaccharides, which can nourish the intestinal cells that have been exposed to pathogenic bacteria and other inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) agents. In essence, eat an apple to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut, which will help relieve your symptoms of indigestion and improve your overall health.

2. Kefir

Fermented dairy products, such as kefir, contain good bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, which are also found in yogourt. The good bacteria in kefir ferment the milk, which turns it into a mildly flavoured, drinkable yogurt. These bacteria act as a natural probiotic, helping to restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut. Kefir can also contain vitamin D, which is essential for the proper functioning of your immune system. Another bonus of kefir is that it contains calcium, which is important for bone health. The calcium from this drink can be beneficial in maintaining the proper functioning of your digestive tract. All these benefits make kefir a great drink to have if you are suffering from a gut imbalance.

3. Kombucha

The fermented tea – Kombucha – contains powerful probiotic bacteria that help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. These good bacteria, in turn, protect the body from disease by producing vitamins, acids, and enzymes. If you are feeling unwell and have a gut imbalance, it’s wise to consider adding some kombucha to your diet. It’s an easy way to help your body get back on track and heal itself.

4. Whole Grains

Whole grains contain many beneficial compounds that can promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. The carbohydrates in whole grains are broken down into simple sugars by the body, which means that your body will have a steady supply of energy and won’t experience those mid-afternoon highs and lows. This makes whole grains a great choice for people who have IBS and other GI disorders. Some of the most beneficial whole grains to eat if you have a gut imbalance are brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-wheat pasta.

5. Tempeh

Tempeh is a plant-based protein that is similar to tofu in both taste and texture. It’s made by fermenting cooked soybeans and has a nutty, meaty flavour. Tempeh is high in fibre and is a good source of B vitamins, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and iron. It also contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens that have a weak estrogenic effect on the body. Like other legumes, tempeh is a rich source of prebiotics and fibre, which feed the “good” bacteria in your gut. It’s also a good source of plant protein, which will help keep you full longer and make you feel less hungry.

6. Miso

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries. It’s available in paste or powder form and has a nutty, savoury flavor. Miso is a good source of protein, fibre, and calcium and is also rich in potassium, zinc, magnesium, and iron. It’s an ideal substitute for salt if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, as it has less than half the sodium of regular soy sauce. Miso also contains isoflavones, which have a weak estrogenic effect on the body. While this means that soy sauce and other miso products can’t be considered safe substitutes for soy milk in women who are breastfeeding, they are safe for everyone else.

We hope this article has provided you with some insight into the various foods that can help your digestive system in its time of need. While we don’t recommend eating specific foods to treat a gut imbalance, you can experiment with these foods to see if they help relieve your symptoms. This will help you determine which foods are best for you and your unique needs. We wish you good health!

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