Listen to Your Gut: Eat These 4 Foods for Your Gut Health

There’s no denying that our eating habits are essential to overall health. The problem is when we become overly focused on calorie counting and weight loss to look good. With this mindset, we lose sight of what truly matters: eating foods that make us feel good.

Guess where it all starts? Your gut. It’s the gateway to your well-being and is a crucial component of how your body functions. The gut does more than digest food, it also takes in essential nutrients that impact your energy, hormones, and more.

So, how can you tell if your gut is in good shape? By the number of good bacteria and bad bacteria in your system. The health of your gut is directly linked to immunity and disease.

Several signs that indicate your gut is unhealthy include fatigue, inflammation, upset stomach, and food sensitivities. If you’re feeling tired all the time, the reasons why may surprise you.

Ready to start being healthier? Then start listening to your gut! Here are four foods to promote optimal gut health:

1. Kimchi

This spicy fermented cabbage has antibacterial properties that work wonders when it comes to healing your gut. Kimchi also aids in digestion, so if you want a tasty way to spice up your food, give this superfood a shot!

A healthy gut strengthens your immune system. The gut microbiome helps produce antibodies that protect against pathogens and toxic substances from entering the body.

Signs your gut might need healing include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, skin inflammation, and mood disorders.

2. Bone Broth

 Packed with numerous vital nutrients, bone broth helps with digestion and strengthening your immune system. Research shows drinking bone broth can give your body the amino acids it needs to lower inflammation and heal the intestinal wall.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and infection. However, when it becomes chronic it can lead to a wide range of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and autoimmune disorders. As a result, it’s important to keep inflammation under control.

“Glutamine supplementation can improve gut barrier function in several experimental conditions of injury and in some clinical situations,” PubMed reports. “Furthermore, the preventive effects of glutamine in experimental models of intestinal injuries have been recently reported.”

3. Nuts and seeds

Filled with fiber and healthy fats, nuts and seeds are perfect for a snack or to include in your meals. Almonds, cashews, and chia seeds are all great for your gut.

Fiber plays a major role in the function of your digestive system and feeds good gut bacteria. It also reduces your appetite, keeping you full longer. Healthy fats help reduce inflammation, which is the root of many issues including poor gut health.

In terms of serving size, a handful is the recommended daily amount. Nuts and seeds can be added to all types of foods – some examples include yogurt for breakfast, salads for lunch, and stir fry for dinner.

The best time to snack is anytime you are going longer than 4 hours in between meals. This will keep your blood sugar and energy levels balanced.

4. Gelatin

For optimal gut health, gelatin is a must-have in your diet. It’s packed with amino acids that assist in healing the gut.

Your gastrointestinal system has a ripple effect on your entire body – which can be either positive or negative depending on your food and lifestyle choices. By being mindful of what you’re eating and choosing foods that promote gut healing, you are positively impacting your overall health.

Gelatin is created by the break down of collagen, which separates proteins for your body. Made up of 98 percent protein, it’s actually one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

Gelatin is also filled with glutamic acid, which protects the lining in your stomach. It promotes digestion by binding to water, helping food move through the digestive tract.

And the best part? It’s simple to make at home.

Time for a Gut Check: Are You Hurting or Healing Your Gut?

Your gut health is tied to your overall health, so it’s important to make it a priority. By making smart eating choices, you can not only protect and heal your gut but improve your overall well-being as well!

If you are looking for some guidance for your training and nutrition, check out our online coaching program.