The Best Foods And Supplements For Gut Health

Gut health is one of the most important components to a healthy body. There are foods that can help heal and protect the gut to ensure it functions optimally. Here are some of the best foods and supplements for gut health. (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here})

Bone Broth

Is able to heal and seal the gut lining. One important amino acid found in bone broth is glycine, which is a powerful healing compound. The gelatin in bone broth helps repair the intestinal lining and reduces inflammation of the digestive organs. This is most helpful for those with leaky gut symptoms. Once the gut is able to heal itself, symptoms like diarrhea and constipation are reduced.

Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are high in the carbohydrate inulin,  a soluble fiber that encourages healthy bacteria in the gut. They can aid in breaking down foods, especially fats and proteins. Dandelion is used in traditional medicine to treat constipation and improve digestive health. It’s a good way to boost your fiber intake, which helps protect against digestive conditions. 

Sweet Potatoes

Are anti-inflammatory and help to cure stomach ulcers. They also aid in digestion. They are high in antioxidants that fight the damage of free radicals in the body. The high amounts of antioxidants and fiber sooth the gut. There are insoluble and soluble fiber that neither can be digested by the body. The soluble fiber, viscous fibers absorb water and make your stool soft. Insoluble fiber which are non-viscous and do not absorb water, instead they add bulk to the stool. They help keep the mucous membranes healthy in the gut lining. Research has shown that potatoes can minimize early-stage colon cancer.

Celery Juice

It removes toxins from the body, cleansing the body which helps lower inflammation. When heavy metals build up in the body it leads to inflammation. Celery juice fixes the cause of bloating, it attacks the bacteria that has been rising in the body. It gets the stomach acid back to normal levels easing the pressure on the stomach. Celery juice has sodium cluster salts that make toxins inactive and less aggressive in the body. The most beneficial way to consume celery juice is on its own.

Peppermint

Is well known to relieve symptoms like gas, bloating and indigestion. Studies show that peppermint relaxes the digestive system and reduces inflammation in the gut. When the stomach muscles relax it calms the gut. These calming effects improve the flow of bile, letting food pass more quickly through the stomach.There are many ways to use peppermint, tea and oil are some of the most common uses. In oil form, it can be applied directly in the stomach for relief.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known to help with stomach irritation and inflammatory disorders. The same way it heals the skin of sunburn, it heals the gut. It is alkalising which helps to restore the guts pH balance. Overtime, the stomach lining can become damaged from food irritants in the diet. Aloe vera can heal this damage by repairing and strengthening the gut lining. Studies show that aloe vera doubles the healing time of the digestive tract.

Probiotics

Probiotics are made up of live microorganisms. The most common are bacteria called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These are the strains you want to look for when purchasing a probiotic. Probiotics are a tool that can be used to balance the microbiome and maintain a healthy digestive tract. Most disease starts in the gut, by having protection from harmful bacteria you strengthen the immune system, regulate weight, and enhance absorption of some minerals.  

L-Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body. When there isn’t enough sources of glucose in the body glutamine is converted into glucose. Glutamine is a source of fuel for the cells linings the intestines. It is also important for the function of the immune system and white blood cells. Glutamine is found naturally in high- protein foods like, meat, fish, and beans. Those with immune disorders or chronic bowel disease may benefit from a glutamine supplement. 

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is an herbal remedy from the inner bark of the elm tree. It’s a demulcent, which means it is able to sooth the lining of the stomach and intestines. Studies have shown that slippery elm can help treat symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Slippery elm can be found in supplement form.