It is often said that a healthy intestine means a healthy body but many of us still don’t know what makes the gut so important. Before we get into the tips one should follow for a healthy gut let’s take a look at what is the gut and why is it so important.

A very crucial system of the body approximately 30 feet long starts from an organ called the oesophagus and ends at the rectum and comprises of the 2 very important organs known as the large and the small intestine. The small intestine absorbs the nutrients while the large intestine takes after the absorption of water. The large intestine is also responsible to digest fiber from the undigested food passed down by the small intestine. And this system as a whole is known as the gut, which also comprises of gut microbiomes. Now coming to the question, why is gut so important? The quantity of food you have doesn’t matter unless it is absorbed and assimilated into your body which is a process taken care of by the gut wherein food is ingested and absorbed properly. A healthy gut therefore indicates a healthy metabolism.

When your intestine health is poor your body becomes prone to diseases because of toxin accumulation in your body. Removal of toxins by the gut is very important as better absorption and assimilation of nutrients means enhanced immunity and prevention of diseases.

Dietician Priyatama Srivastava – the best dietician in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR has brought you some tips in order for you to maintain a healthy gut for a healthy body.

1. Add fermented food to your diet: Fermented foods are known to be rich in probiotics; the good bacteria and yeast. In order to add fermented foods to your diet, you can add yogurt, fermented batter, kanji, kimchi or buttermilk in your diet in small proportions each day to receive the vast benefits it has. From better digestive functions to better immunity and detoxification, fermented foods are a boon towards a healthy gut.

• Say NO to processed foods: Processed and refined foods like sugar, oil, flour and other packaged food items are a BIG NO as they affect one’s blood sugar levels due to their harmful effect on the gut microbiota. Moreover, if you have a diet that consists of a lot of processed foods and added sugar the gut bacteria present in your gut will start to decrease. This kind of imbalance will further create more sugar cravings and hence lead to further damage.

Also Read: https://www.gomoringa.in/5-tips-to-stick-to-healthy-eating-habits/

• Eat more fiber: Fiber is a component naturally found in fruits and vegetables. Having a diet rich in different types of dietary fiber encourages diversity as well as stimulates the growth of probiotic bacteria that feed on non-digestible carbohydrates known as prebiotics. You may include asparagus, banana, chicory, garlic, onions, bean, legumes and much more.

• Eat a plant-based diet: Whole grains have non-digestible carbohydrates like beta glucan that aren’t absorbed by the small intestine and hence make their way to the large intestine where they are broken by the microbes. This in turn promotes their growth, hence having a plant-based diet improves gut health and is also easier to digest by the body as well as assimilate. You can add nuts, oils like coconut oil, olive oil as well as a wide range of fruits and vegetables to inculcate a plant based diet.

• Eat polyphenol rich food: Polyphenols are plant compounds that are enriched with health benefits like reducing blood pressure, oxidative stress, cholesterol, and inflammation. In order to include good sources of polyphenol in your diet you can consume green tea, broccoli, almonds, dark chocolates and grapes.

• Avoid antibiotics in excess: Antibiotics are healers of the body; they definitely kill the infection causing bacteria but at the same till they also kill the good bacteria in the gut. Hence it is important that antibiotics are to be taken only when necessary. You can consume probiotics after ending the use of antibiotics post sickness in order to restore the gut microbes.

In addition to the tips mentioned it is important that you read labels in order to know what are you feeding your gut. Moreover, get into the habit of making curd at home, enhance your meals and your gut health by making raita which is a good combination of probiotic foods. Also, it is important to manage your sleep cycle and your stress which has a profound impact on the health of your gut. Health and wellness can be achieved when you start with making small mindful changes and stick to them for a healthy tomorrow.  If you’re looking for the perfect diet plan that caters to your existing body conditions and helps you achieve your health goals, Dietician Priyatama Srivastava is your best bet at getting a diet plan that not only keeps you healthy but also saves you from unnecessary foreign concepts of food.

Note: The health tips mentioned in this article apply to people who are not already on a professional diet plan. In case you’re following a weight loss diet plan, please consult your dietician before following the tips.