Listen, we get it. You want your gut health to improve and you don’t want to drop a lot of $$$. Totally fair! You might be surprised to learn that some everyday items you already have at home can help your tummy out. So let’s dig through the back of that pantry you’ve been avoiding and open up the fridge. It’s time to get gut healthy and happy 🥰
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil affects your gut microbiota by reducing the pathogenic bacteria, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria by absorbing nutrients. Olive oil also can increase the production of microbially produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which have anti-inflammatory effects. Bonus!
2. Bananas
Bananas are low-fructose fruit and are high in fibre, specifically pectin which is a soluble fibre (as we all know, fibre + gut = BFFs). They also contain inulin, which is a substance that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Bananas also have resistant starch which has a prebiotic effect, helping to fuel the good gut bacteria.
3. Dark Chocolate
We’ve all been waiting for this one 🙌Tasty AND gut-friendly?! Sign me up. Cacao, and the fibre in it, can promote friendly bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gut. It passes undigested through our digestive tract to the large intestine where our probiotics use it as fuel to promote and support our health and digestion.
4. Kombucha
Booch is amazing. Enough said? Alright fine, we’ll go in-depth. Kombucha, like other fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut, is full of antioxidants and probiotics. Kombucha is also bursting with live bacteria (yep, you read that, LIVE), which means it’s continuing to grow and ferment based on a factor of conditions such as temperature. These live bacteria and probiotics boost the health of your intestinal cells and can improve immune function and aid in digestion.
If you’re looking for a quick way to get gut happy, a simple fix might be trying out a booch (or two) and seeing where it takes you! Don’t take out word for it though, there are lots of gut’s that are thanking us everyday 😉
