Are you experiencing digestive problems such as occasional bloating or discomfort? If so, it could be due to the foods you are eating. Recent studies have found that certain foods can wreak havoc on your gut health, which can lead to long-term health issues. Some of the worst culprits are processed foods, sugary drinks, fried foods, and refined grains. These foods can disrupt gut bacteria and damage the lining of the digestive tract.
Foods to Avoid for Digestive Health
- Processed foods like breakfast cereal, potato chips, and white bread are low in fiber and can disturb digestion and aggravate existing GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms.
- Sugary foods like soda, candy, and pastries can alter the balance of the microbiome of the gut leading to GI dysfunction.
- Fried foods, such as chicken nuggets, French fries, onion rings, and cheese sticks have high levels of trans fats which raise bad LDL cholesterol and increase gut issues.
Foods that Support Digestive Health
The good news is, it’s easy to swap processed foods for more gut healthy foods.
- Choose oatmeal instead of sugary cereal. You can add honey to the oatmeal and avoid the high fructose corn syrup found in many breakfast cereals.
- Instead of drinking soda, drink flavored sparkling water. Zevia, a natural soda, uses stevia as a sweetener which will not affect our gut or blood sugar.
- Instead of reaching for a piece of candy, opt for a piece of fruit. That will satisfy the craving for something sweet and provide fiber that our gut requires.
- When selecting bread, choose one with whole grains, nuts, and seeds. These types of bread are hearty and will be more satiating.
- Better options for potato chips include nuts, fruit “chips” made from banana, and seaweed sheets.
Say goodbye to processed junk food, sugary treats, and greasy fast food. Our guts will thank us for cutting out these culprits that affect our digestion. By avoiding these foods and focusing on a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, we can take control of our health by creating a healthier gut and improving overall well-being. Remember, it’s all about making informed choices about the foods we consume.
