Eat wholegrains every day
In comparison to 'white' or processed cereals, wholegrains retain all three parts of the grain: the bran (where most of the fibre is), the germ (where most of the nutrients are), and the endosperm (where much of the starch is). The inclusion of all of these parts makes wholegrains more nutrient-rich and higher in fibre than their processed counterparts.
In particular, wholegrains are a great source of insoluble fibre. This creates bulk and helps food to move through the gut, keeping the digestive system regular.
Try to experiment with more unusual varieties, such as spelt, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, and freekeh”.
Add friendly bacteria
Probiotics are foods and supplements that contain cultures of live friendly bacteria. By eating more of the good variety, we can help re-establish a balance by helping to reduce potentially harmful bacteria.
Amy includes probiotic-rich foods in her daily diet. “Look for yogurts that list 'live and active cultures' on the label, or try including fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, kombucha, and tempeh”.
Increase fruit and vegetable intake
We need both insoluble and soluble fibre in our diets for good gut health, and fruit and veggies are a great source of the soluble variety. This helps soften stools and ease constipation, as well as providing a vast array of nutrients that are important for good health.
Add fresh fruit to your morning porridge or cereal, pair a side salad with your lunchtime soup or sandwich, or snack on crudités throughout the day. “Get creative and aim to 'eat the rainbow' – the more variety, the better!”
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of fluids is very important for our digestive health as it helps to keep everything soft and moving regularly. Make sure you’re getting at least 8 glasses a day.
An easy tip is to add a flavour infusion such as slices of lemon, lime, mint or cucumber as a natural, low-calorie option.
Reduce alcohol intake
Drinking too much alcohol has been linked to numerous health issues, and gut health is no exception. Studies suggest that alcohol can cause inflammation in the gut when consumed in large amounts.
Finally, when it comes to gut health, variety is key. Researchers found that people who ate more than 30 different plant foods each week had a more diverse gut microbiome when compared with those who ate 10 or fewer. So if you're just starting to think about gut health, eating a broad diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
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