When your gut isn’t functioning at its best, your whole body isn’t either. So how can we improve our gut health? Are there certain foods we can be eating to aid our gut health? And where should we be seeking help?

Our gut is an important aspect of overall health as it is involved in the absorption of many nutrients, it regulates hormones and plays a major role in immunity. Research has shown that taking into consideration some aspects of our diet can significantly improve our gut health and overall wellbeing.

4 Ways to Improve Your Gut Health:

1. Increase Fibre Intake

Legumes, beans, wholegrains, vegetables and fruit all contain high amounts of fibre. Fibre improves digestive health and protects against some diseases. Important to increase fibre intake gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

2. Incorporate Plenty of Prebiotic-Rich Foods in Your Diet

Prebiotics (such as resistant starch) promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut by acting as a source of food. Sources include firm bananas, cold cooked potatoes, brown rice and legumes.

3. Don’t Forget The Probiotics

Incorporating foods that naturally contain probiotics such as yoghurt and fermented foods (e.g. sauerkraut, kimchi) can help deliver healthy bacteria to the large intestine.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is really important to gut health as it helps break down the food we eat, aid in nutrient absorption and allow waste to pass through the intestine more easily, preventing constipation.

If you are experiencing issues with toileting or significant gut discomfort booking an appointment to see an Accredited Practicing Dietitian can help provide individually tailored advice to further help improve your gut health.

Article written by Stephanie Sims, Interning Dietitian at ATUNE Health Centres.