Which Foods Are Good For Gut Health?

There has been a lot more research into gut bacteria lately, and the importance of keeping it well balanced. So why is this the case, and which foods are best to eat or avoid if we want to achieve a happy healthy gut?

The importance of high-fibre foods

High fibre foods include whole grains, root vegetables, and pulses such as lentils and beans. It is one of the most important food groups, but most of us don’t tend to eat enough fibre. Fibre is not only great for maintaining healthy gut bacteria, but it also keeps us feeling full and therefore is a great food for keeping weight at an optimum level. 

Which foods are bad for our gut?

Foods which are high in saturated fat can alter the gut bacteria in a detrimental way. This includes fatty cuts of meat, and products which are rich in cream and butter, such as cakes, ice cream desserts, pastries, and cakes. Foods which have a high sugar content are also poor for our gut bacteria and digestion. 

Highly processed foods

Fatty and sugary foods are often also highly processed foods. They also contain additives which are designed to prolong the life of the food, called emulsifiers. Scientists have found that these may be responsible for depleting the levels of healthy bacteria in the gut, and increasing levels of inflammation in the body. 

Examples of highly processed foods include ready-made pizzas, microwave meals, and processed meats such as ham and bacon. 

Is it worth taking probiotic supplements?

You may have heard of probiotic supplements which are advertised as being capable of adding billions more good bacteria to your gut. However, scientists believe that it is more important to eat a healthy balanced diet than to rely on taking supplements. 

Supplements may be recommended if you are taking antibiotics, because they can deplete the levels of bacteria in your gut. They may also be useful for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, or are prone to bouts of diarrhoea. 

Is there a link between good mental health and the gut?

There is a growing body of evidence which suggests that there is a link between the balance of our gut bacteria and mental health. Anyone who is prone to anxiety may already be familiar with the feeling of a churning gut, rising nausea, or heartburn. Now it seems that our guts really have been trying to tell us something all along. 

Scientists have found that a significant proportion of serotonin is produced in the gut, which is one of the chemicals that helps to keep our moods happy and stable. A lack of serotonin is directly linked to common psychiatric disorders such as depression ands anxiety. 

In fact, some studies have found that by rebalancing our gut bacteria with a varied diet, it can also cure depression, so if you struggle with low moods or anxiety, it may be well worth changing your eating habits to see if you notice any difference. 

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