We caregivers at Assisting Hands in West Austin know the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet. A healthy gut is a happy gut and healthy body! Food science has shown that there is a deeper connection between gut health and overall health. This is because the digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and rids the body of waste. The gut uses healthy bacteria called probiotics to feed on nondigestible carbs and help good bacteria grow. As a result, certain foods can help improve your gut health and affect your mood and cognition. Health experts suggest that you incorporate these three foods as part of your daily diet and healthy eating habits.

Garlic, Leeks, and Onions

These three musketeers are some of the best sources of a soluble fiber called oligofructose, a natural source of inulin which belong to a class of dietary fibers known as fructans. Research has shown that inulin encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and can potentially force out harmful bugs. Onions, garlic, and leeks can also help resist infection, boost brain function, protect the heart, and control cholesterol.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a fermented probiotic that is similar to sour pickles or kimchi. The immune-boosting probiotics found in sauerkraut can help improve the balance of bacteria in the gut, which keeps the gut lining healthy. It has also been shown to restore gut health after a course of antibiotics. If you’ve taken antibiotics recently to wipe out illness-causing bacteria, it can also kill the good bacteria in your gut. Sauerkraut and kimchi contain live bacteria that can repopulate beneficial bugs.

Yogurt

Last but not least — you probably already know about the benefits of Yogurt. But in case you don’t, yogurt is a probiotic-rich food that strengthens the digestive tract by increasing the good bacteria in your gut. There is evidence that some probiotics, like those in yogurt, can improve symptoms of digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and certain types of diarrhea. Add fruits, seeds, or granola, and enjoy a bowl of yogurt for breakfast or a snack.

Happy Eating!

A happier and healthier gut contributes to a robust immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, restorative sleep, and effective digestion. It may even help prevent some cancers and autoimmune diseases. It is never too late to make lifestyle changes to affect your gut health and overall health positively. So be good to your gut. And the next time you’re planning a meal, reach for these three foods–your gut will thank you!