How to Improve Digestive Health
As I discussed and explained in previous blogs, there is a microscopic world that lives in your large intestine called the gut microbiome. It is made up of trillions of microorganisms. Though most are bacteria, there also are fungi and viruses. They influence many aspects of your overall health, especially your digestive system. The kind of microbes as well as their numbers and diversity depend upon your diet.
Some of these microorganisms are harmful to our health, but many are incredibly beneficial and even necessary for a healthy body and a healthy gut. Since they live deep within our bodies, they feed and live on what we feed them – the fiber which we cannot digest.
HOW TO EAT FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH – and the needed healthy microbiome
Here are just a few tips to improve digestive health.
What to eat
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Choose nuts and seeds
- Choose modest quantities of healthful fats
- Add legumes to your diet
- Choose whole grains
- Eat probiotic fermented foods
- Select a variety of foods
Summarily: Real Food, Plant Based, Flexitarian, A Mediterranean style diet plans
What to avoid:
- Ultra-processed foods
- Saturated Fat
- Trans Fats
Summarily: A Western Style Plan
Nutritionist for gut health
Working with a dietitian nutritionist can help you improve your digestive health. Digestive health is linked to the immune system, mental health, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, hormone health, and chronic disease. I cannot overstate how important it is to have a healthy microbiome.
I’ve worked with thousands of patients over the years, empowering them to make sustainable adjustments and modifications to their diets, and, in doing so, improving their well-being and digestive health.
Since your diet determines what kinds of microbes live in your gut, a high-fiber – real food and plant based – plan is recommended. Modify your diet to include the foods mentioned above, reduce intake of ultra processed foods, and improve your health, one bite at a time.
Additional Resources
Zoe, How to Improve Gut Health
Cleveland Clinic, Gut Microbiome
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, 10 Ways to Strengthen Your Microbiome
Harvard School of Public Health, The Microbiome
