If you are looking for the secret to reaching your optimal health, look no further than your digestive health. Your digestive system is filled with numerous microorganisms that support various functions in the body to help you remain healthy. These microorganisms support immunity, regulate metabolism, balance your hormones, maintain brain health, and manage your mood. When your digestive system is working properly, you will be able to get the maximum nutrition from your foods. Additionally, most of your immune system is housed inside your digestive system. When the digestive system is not functioning properly, systemic inflammation and disease can occur. Eating a healthy, plant-based diet packed with nutrients can help improve your digestive health. In addition, it helps to consume some superfoods for gut health and improved digestion.
What are Superfoods?
Superfoods are food items that are packed full of nutrients and phytochemicals to boost your health. Superfoods help nourish the body, support detoxification, decrease inflammation, and improve your digestive health. Superfoods are filled with antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals throughout your body, including digestion, skin, and brain health. Furthermore, your energy levels will drastically improve as you begin incorporating superfoods into your diet. Let’s take a look at the top 7 superfoods for digestive health and how they can improve your digestive system.
Avocados
Avocados are packed with nutrients and fiber. One of the essential nutrients needed for digestion is potassium and avocados are filled with potassium and other nutrients. Eating avocados also provides the body with healthy fats to remove bad cholesterol from the body. Furthermore, the fiber found in avocados is great for digestion. Avocados help soothe and heal the digestive tract naturally. Whip up a delicious guacamole with antioxidant rich tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to promote digestive health.
Berries
Several berries are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that support digest health. Some of the most nutritious berries are acai berries, blueberries, and Goji berries. Acai berries contain numerous antioxidants and 19 amino acids. Goji berries contain vitamin C and vitamin E along with flavonoids. Finally, blueberries are high in fiber, vitamin K, and manganese that improves digestive health while bolstering the immune system. The pectin in berries is a soluble fiber that helps to prevent diarrhea.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, and kimchi are filled with natural probiotics. Probiotic foods along with a probiotic supplement help increase beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. These all-important bacteria regulate metabolism, improves nutrient absorption, increase immunity, decrease systemic inflammation, and enhances the body’s detoxification process. Probiotics have been shown to ease numerous digestive complaints, including IBS, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and Crohn’s disease.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are an excellent source of fiber. Some of the tastiest and healthiest greens include kale and spinach. Leafy green vegetables are packed with nutrients to help improve gut health. You will find vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate in leafy green vegetables. In addition to this, leafy green vegetables contain sugars that provide fuel for the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract. Eating leafy greens can help repopulate the gut microbiome.
Lean Proteins
If you suffer from digestive issues like IBS, you need to avoid fatty foods. Instead, you should choose lean proteins like fish and poultry. High fat foods can cause the colon to contract. Furthermore, red meat promotes bacteria in the digestive tract that increases the risk of clogged arteries. When possible, try to choose a vegetable protein like beans rather than an animal protein.
Tea
Tea, including black, green, and white tea, is filled with nutrients. It is high in EGCG, amino acids, manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, and B complex vitamins. Furthermore, tea contains catechins which are potent antioxidants that provide anticarcinogenic protection and anti-inflammatory benefits. Tea is an alkaline substance that stimulates the immune system, promotes healthy bowels, detoxifies the body, and improves the body’s ability to digest lactose.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are healthy alternatives to refined grains. Some of the most common whole grains include brown rice, steel cut oats, quinoa, and barley. Whole grains scrub the lining of the intestines so foods can travel faster through the digestive tract, and the intestines are better able to absorb nutrients. These grains also contain phytochemicals that help to fight cancer. In fact, one study found that eating four servings of whole grains daily can reduce the risk of death by 22 percent.
Looking for a Healthy Digestive System?
Superfoods can help with digestion and improve your overall gut health. When shopping for these proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, opt for organic choices as much as possible. Choose produce that is in season and grown locally to help ensure you receive the highest nutrient content possible.
Our integrative medicine clinicians specializing in gut health can help you discover your unique digestive health and help you reach optimal health. They may recommend options that include lifestyle changes, a detoxification program and dietary recommendations, including the top superfoods for your gut health.
