Gut health plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing as the digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients and medicines before they reach the rest of the body. A poor diet can disrupt this balance while the right foods can strengthen digestion immunity and metabolism.
Dr Saurabh Sethi a California-based gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS Harvard and Stanford recently shared insights on how everyday foods affect gut health. He grouped commonly eaten items into three categories based on how they influence the gut microbiome.
Foods that negatively impact gut health include sugary drinks sugary breakfast cereals artificial sweeteners and fried foods. These items are known to disturb gut bacteria and increase inflammation.
Foods that support gut health include sweet potatoes beans slightly green bananas and oats. These foods provide fibre and resistant starch that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Foods that offer the strongest benefits to gut health include berries yoghurt chia seeds and fermented foods. These options are rich in probiotics antioxidants and prebiotics that help maintain a healthy digestive environment.
Research also supports limiting sugar intake. A study published in the Cell journal showed that high sugar diets alter gut bacteria and reduce immune cells that protect against obesity diabetes and metabolic disorders. Excess sugar weakens beneficial bacteria leading to inflammation and poor metabolic health.
Experts advise focusing on whole natural foods while reducing processed and sugary items to maintain long-term gut health. This information is intended for awareness only and should not replace professional medical advice.