Stomach problems SUCK! Trust me I know…I was diagnosed with IBS when I was 19 (which believe me…was a LOT of years ago). If you’ve been struggling with digestion problems, it might not be a medical condition, but actually from the types of foods you are eating. Many people have food sensitivities, not necessarily allergies, and many people just don’t get enough water and fiber in their diet. Check out these gut healing foods and see if you can start incorporating them into your diet on a regular basis.
Best Gut Healing Foods
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a superfood and also happen to be really good for your digestion. These seeds are a superfood because of how many nutrients they contain. You will gets lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also have omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, both of which are great for improving your digestion and helping things move more smoothly. The nutrients in chia seeds can also help with regulating bowel function, reducing inflammation in your body, and lowering your cholesterol. All you need are a couple tablespoons of the seeds each day, which are easy to add to smoothies, yogurt, or topping on salads.
Lean Protein
Don’t forget about lean protein, including poultry and fish. These foods contain nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, without increasing sugar and other ingredients you don’t need in your foods. Lean protein is a lot easier to digest than red meat, so going for salmon or chicken is a much better option for your gut health than steak.
Bananas
If you are looking for fruit that is going to help with your digestion, go for bananas. These are amazing for you, packed with nutrients, and very easy to tolerate. Bananas are super easy on the stomach and often one of the only foods recommended when you have the flu or a serious illness because of how easy they are to tolerate. Try to eat at least one banana a day, whether you eat it on its own, spread on toast, or topped on your cereal.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds kill parasites. It is best to consume 1/4 cup daily as a late afternoon snack or make pumpkin seed milk in a Vitamix with water, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, cinnamon and stevia (if needed).
Cloves and Cinnamon
By cooking with each of these spices or adding them to a smoothie or drink you are naturally killing microbes that are wreaking havoc on your system.
Turmeric
By adding 1 tablespoons of turmeric to your foods, you are using one of the most powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory spices.
Ghee
If tolerated, ghee is fabulous for nourishing and healing the intestinal lining.
Try to include some of these options on a daily basis and see if they can help. I would also work to eliminate gluten and dairy. Many people struggle with these foods so doing a trial elimination period can show you if you’re one of those people.
I know it can be daunting to think about eliminating staple foods from your diet. Join me in the next FASTer Way to Fat Loss round where I can teach you the healthy habits you need to take to find genuine health and age gracefully.
What are your favorite gut healing foods?