A new year can bring a lot of stress and craziness into our lives which means it can be harder to make time for our health & wellness. Our gut health is a reflection of how the rest of our body is functioning, from our digestive system to our immune system to even our mental health. When your gut is unhappy, it can be super difficult to function elsewhere. Restoring our gut health doesn’t always have to be about fancy recipes or crazy detoxes. These good quality basics can make a big difference in fostering a happier gut:
Dark Chocolate
You might be surprised to see this one on the list, but dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa (cacao) is good for your tummy. Researchers from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Reading found that cacao can promote friendly bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Try substituting Dark Chocolate Collagen Protein for Whey Protein to give you an easier digestive experience.
Green Tea
Green tea can encourage the growth of good bacteria and lessen the condition of “leaky gut” according to an Ohio State University study. Green tea is also rich in polyphenols, helping the body improve it’s digestive process.
Further reading: 5 Reasons to Swap your Coffee for Matcha
Avocado
An avocado a day keeps your gut microbes happy, according to a University of Illinois study. Avocados are nutrient dense and high in dietary fiber which can be broken down into metabolites that support gut health.
Ginger
Ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can relieve indigestion and discomfort in the stomach area.
De-bloat with this Iced Ginger & Mint Green Tea:
Mixed Nuts
Nuts contain fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols that may impact the composition of the gut microbiota and overall gut health, studies show.
Bananas and Apples
Bananas and apples have a soothing effect on your gut due to their high content of pectin, a soluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of good bacteria.
Olives
It’s easy to forget that olives are a fermented food. They are rich in Lactobacillus which is a gut-friendly bacteria.
Making changes but still in need of support? Try our Digestive Support Bundle.
