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The term "gut health" refers to the general condition and operation of the gastrointestinal system, with a focus on the harmony of the bacteria therein, the strength of the gut lining, and the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients. The billions of microbes that live in the digestive tract, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, must be kept in a diverse and balanced gut microbiome.
Foods that Trigger Gut Issues:
Eliminating trigger foods is a crucial step in implementing the best gut health diet plan or gut reset diet plan. By identifying and removing foods that cause gut issues, you can significantly reduce digestive discomfort and promote optimal gut health. This proactive approach helps you create a favorable environment for your gut, allowing it to heal and function at its best. Incorporating this strategy into your dietary habits will lead to a significant improvement in your overall well-being and digestive wellness.
Dairy Products: A common reason to stay away from dairy is lactose sensitivity. Many people are deficient in the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose and causes gastrointestinal distress, bloating, and diarrhea.
Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar are examples of acidic foods that can cause heartburn and acid reflux in those with GERD or sensitive gastrointestinal systems.
Fried Foods: Fried foods can be hard to digest and are often heavy in harmful fats. They might lead to intestinal irritation and worsen symptoms in those with illnesses like IBS.
Alcohol: Alcohol use can aggravate the stomach and bowel lining, which can result in inflammation, acid reflux, and a bacterial imbalance in the gut. Additionally, it may hinder nutritional absorption and healthy digestion.
Caffeine: Caffeine enhances the formation of stomach acid, which in sensitive people can result in acid reflux, heartburn, and irritation of the gut lining.
Spicy Foods: Spicy foods may cause digestive symptoms including heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach pain, especially in people with sensitive gastrointestinal systems or disorders like GERD.
Foods that help in Enrich Liver Enzymes:
Garlic: Ingredients in garlic can boost the liver's detoxification activities by assisting in the activation of liver enzymes. Additionally, it possesses antibacterial characteristics that might help the gut by encouraging a balanced population of microorganisms.
Turmeric: The major ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has been found to enhance liver function by increasing the production of detoxifying enzymes.
Green Leafy Vegetables: Antioxidants and fiber-rich vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli can support liver health and a healthy gut microbiome.
Green Tea: Catechins, an antioxidant found in green tea, may help safeguard the liver from harm and improve general health. It has also been demonstrated to improve gut health by encouraging the development of good gut flora.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can enhance enzyme levels and facilitate liver detoxification. Acetic acid, which is present, may help the liver and improve digestion.
Honey: Antioxidants found in abundance in raw, unprocessed honey can help to prevent liver damage. Improvements in enzyme levels and liver inflammation reduction may result. Natural sugars included in honey can serve as a source of energy to promote liver function.
Good Fat for a Healthy Gut:
Ghee: In Indian cooking, ghee, or clarified butter, is frequently utilized. It contains butyric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and beneficial effects on the intestines. Ghee also contains important fatty acids, which help proper digestion and nourish the gut lining.
Coconut Oil: Indian cuisine frequently uses coconut oil as a cooking component. It has medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which the body can easily absorb and use. By giving the intestinal lining cells a source of energy, these MCTs can maintain gut health.
Mustard Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in mustard oil and are used traditionally in Indian cooking, have anti-inflammatory qualities.
Additionally, it contains an ingredient known as allyl isothiocyanate, which has been demonstrated to have antibacterial properties and may be advantageous to the gut microbiome.
Nuts and Seeds: Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, are abundant in nuts and seeds including almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. By lowering inflammation and encouraging a healthy balance of gut microorganisms, these fats help improve gut health.
Probiotic Foods:
Live bacteria and yeasts called probiotics are beneficial to your health, particularly your digestive system. Typically, we consider these to be pathogenic microorganisms. However, both healthy and dangerous bacteria are abundant in your body. The "good" or "helpful" bacteria included in probiotics are frequently referred to as such since they support gut health.
Dairy for Probiotic Foods
Yogurt: Yogurt is a common ingredient and is frequently served as a side dish or incorporated into different dishes. It includes helpful probiotic microorganisms including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk, often referred to as "chaas", is a probiotic beverage that is prepared by dilution of yogurt with water. It is frequently ingested with meals or on its own as a beverage.
Non Dairy Probiotic Foods
Pickles: Mango pickles, lemon pickles, and mixed vegetable pickles are some examples of traditional Indian pickles. These fermented foods are probiotic-rich. Be aware that not all commercially available pickles are fermented; instead, choose for homemade or traditionally fermented varieties.
Fermented Foods for Probiotic Food
Idli and Dosa Batter: Rice and lentils are combined to generate the fermented batter for idli and dosa, which goes through natural fermentation to produce a probiotic-rich dish.
Dhokla: Popular Gujarati delicacy called dhokla is prepared from fermented chickpea flour. Its probiotic composition benefits from the fermenting process.
Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage is a food that is high in probiotics and helps support a balanced gut flora, which may be advantageous for liver enzymes.
Kombucha: It is a tea-based fermented beverage that also contains probiotic yeast and bacteria. By ingesting kombucha, one can improve their gut health and, inadvertently, their liver enzyme levels by introducing healthy bacteria into their system
Prebiotic Foods:
Prebiotic foods contain dietary fibers that serve as nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their growth and activity.
Onion: Prebiotic fibers, especially inulin, are abundant in onions. You can benefit from prebiotics in the gut by including raw or cooked onions in your meals.
Garlic: Fructooligosaccharides, or FOS, are prebiotics found in garlic. To improve flavor and offer prebiotic advantages, it can be used in a variety of Indian dishes.
Banana: A form of fiber known as resistant starch, which serves as a prebiotic, is abundant in ripe bananas. Bananas can promote the development of good gut bacteria in your diet.
Whole Grains: Whole grains like wheat, barley, and oats contain soluble fibers that act as prebiotics. Including whole grain chapatis, dalia, or oats in your meals can provide prebiotic benefits.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas, commonly used in Indian dishes like chana masala or hummus, are a good source of prebiotic fibers. They promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are rich in fiber, including mucilage, which has prebiotic effects. Adding flaxseeds to your diet can support gut health.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
Foods that reduce inflammation can be good for gut health, especially when there are stomach problems.
Fatty Fish: Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory qualities, are abundant in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. You can lessen intestinal inflammation by eating more of these fish.
Turmeric: Curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, is highly effective at reducing inflammation. Adding turmeric to your food or drinking turmeric tea can help reduce intestinal inflammation.
Leafy green vegetables: Rich in fiber and antioxidants that help lower intestinal inflammation.
Ginger: Ginger, which is well-known for having anti-inflammatory qualities, can help lessen intestinal irritation.
Berries: Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are loaded with anti-inflammatory antioxidants and phytochemicals. In your diet, try including a variety of berries to help reduce stomach inflammation.
Spices for Gut Health:
Harad: In Ayurvedic medicine, harad is employed, and it's thought to have digestive characteristics. It might ease constipation, encourage regular bowel motions, and benefit gut health in general.
Ajwain: Ajwain seeds have been utilized in Indian cuisine for generations and are renowned for their ability to aid with digestion. They might improve digestion, lessen gas and bloating, and ease stomach discomfort.
Black cumin - Supports digestion and decreases digestive problems including gas, bloating, and stomach pain.
Coriander - It promotes digestion and gut health.
Fennel - Fennel has been shown to aid digestion by reducing intestinal inflammation and reducing gas-producing bacteria.
Ginger - Ginger encourages efficient digestion so food does not linger as long in the gut.
Cardamom - It helps with digestion.
Numerous elements of our health, including the regulation of hormones and the emergence of lifestyle diseases, are significantly influenced by gut microorganisms. Here is a brief justification:
Hormone Regulation: Hormones like estrogen and cortisol, which are produced by the human body, can be metabolized and modified by gut microorganisms. Hormone problems or anomalies may result from imbalances in the composition of the gut bacteria.
Lifestyle Diseases: The regulation of metabolism, inflammation, and immunological responses by the gut microbiota is connected to the emergence of lifestyle diseases. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome have all been linked to dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut flora.
Sleep and Workouts: Even though sleep or exercise may not be directly impacted by gut microorganisms, these components of our lifestyle can still be affected indirectly by how they affect our general health. Energy levels and general vitality are influenced by proper digestion and nutrient absorption, which are supported by healthy gut microbiota.
Nutritionist and Dietician, Ruhi Rajput is a renown name, championing the integration of nutrition, lifestyle, and mindfulness She has over a decade of valuable experience, empowering health and nutrition through holistic approach.
Recognised as India's top Dietician and Nutritionist expert, with experience in Clinical Nutrition & Ayurvedic Dietetics. Ruhi has crafted a niche for herself with her excellence in gut health, natural Hormone balance with food and weight loss programs. She is popular for her holistic health approach and offers comprehensive solutions to gut health, weight management, autoimmune disorders and diet for Diabetes, Kidney and fatty liver.
Drawing from her expertise in nutrition and functional medicine Ruhi Rajput has made it easy for countless individuals to reach their optimal health goal with commitment to sustainable and holistic approach.