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9 Ways to Improve Your Gut Bacteria, Based on Science Eat a diverse range of foods. ... Eat lots of vegetables, legumes, beans, and fruit. ... Eat fermented foods. ... Eat prebiotic foods. ... If you can, breastfeed for at least 6 months. ... Eat whole grains. ... Eat a plant-based diet. ... Eat foods rich in polyphenols. More items...
Substitutes for butter as a spread Olive oil. Combine some olive oil with basil and pepper for a zesty spread. Nut butter. Peanut and almond butter...
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Here's what you need to know about the foods that might be causing premature fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. Sugar. Sugar is infamous for...
Read More »There are around 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are found in your gut. Collectively, they are known as your gut microbiome, and they’re incredibly important for overall health. However, certain types of bacteria in your intestines can also contribute to many diseases. Many factors, including the foods you eat, can impact the type of bacteria found in your digestive tract. Share on Pinterest ArtistGND photography/Getty Images Here are 9 science-based ways to improve your gut bacteria. 1. Eat a diverse range of foods There are hundreds of species of bacteria in your intestines, each of which plays a specific role in health and requires different nutrients for growth. Generally speaking, a diverse microbiome is considered a healthy one. This is because the more species of bacteria you have, the more health benefits they may be able to contribute to ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ). A diet consisting of different food types can lead to a more diverse microbiome ( 4 , 5 , 6 ). Unfortunately, the traditional Western diet is not very diverse and is rich in fat and sugar. In fact, an estimated 75% of the world’s food is produced from only 12 plant and 5 animal species ( 4 ). However, diets in certain rural regions are often more diverse and richer in different plant sources. For this reason, a few studies have shown that gut microbiome diversity is much greater in people from rural regions of Africa and South America than in people from urban areas in Europe or the United States ( 7 , 8 ). Summary Eating a diverse diet rich in whole foods can lead to a diverse microbiome, which is beneficial for your health. 2. Eat lots of vegetables, legumes, beans, and fruit Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of nutrients for a healthy microbiome. They are high in fiber, which your body can’t digest. However, certain bacteria in your gut can digest fiber, which stimulates their growth. Beans and legumes also contain very high amounts of fiber. Some high fiber foods that are good for your gut bacteria include: raspberries
Here are the 8 best exercises for weight loss. Walking. Walking is one of the best exercises for weight loss — and for good reason. ... Jogging or...
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Over 70% of your daily calories should be from fat. Boost your fat intake with fat bombs, healthy fats and oils like coconut oil, and other fatty...
Read More »5. If you can, breastfeed for at least 6 months A baby’s microbiome begins to properly develop at birth. However, studies suggest that babies may be exposed to some bacteria even before birth ( 26 ). During the first 2 years of life, an infant’s microbiome is continuously developing and is rich in beneficial Bifidobacteria, which can digest the sugars found in breast milk ( 27 ). Many studies have shown that infants who are fed formula have an altered microbiome with fewer Bifidobacteria than infants who are breastfed ( 27 , 28 , 29 ). What’s more, breastfeeding is also associated with lower rates of allergies, obesity, and other health conditions that may be due to differences in the gut microbiota ( 30 , 31 ). Summary Breastfeeding helps an infant develop a healthy microbiome, which may help protect against certain health conditions later in life. 6. Eat whole grains Whole grains contain lots of fiber and nondigestible carbs, such as beta-glucan. These carbs are not absorbed in the small intestine and instead make their way to the large intestine to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Research suggests that whole grains can promote the growth of Bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, and Bacteroidetes in humans ( 32 , 33 , 34 ). In these studies, whole grains also increased feelings of fullness and reduced inflammation and certain risk factors for heart disease. However, keep in mind that some research shows that gluten-containing grains — such as wheat, barley, and rye — may actually negatively impact gut health by increasing intestinal permeability and inflammation in some people ( 35 , 36 , 37 ). While this mostly applies to those with celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, more research is needed to determine whether eating grains that contain gluten may also alter the gut microbiome in healthy adults without these conditions. Summary Whole grains contain nondigestible carbs that can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria within the gut microbiome. These changes to the gut flora may improve certain aspects of metabolic health. 7. Eat a plant-based diet Diets containing animal-based foods promote the growth of different types of intestinal bacteria than plant-based diets do ( 5 , 38 ). A number of studies have shown that vegetarian diets may benefit the gut microbiome, which may be due to their high fiber content. For example, one small 2013 study found that a vegetarian diet led to reduced levels of disease-causing bacteria in people with obesity, as well as reductions in body weight, inflammation, and cholesterol levels ( 39 ). A 2019 review noted that plant foods are rich in specific nutrients that can increase levels of beneficial bacteria and decrease harmful strains of bacteria to support gut health ( 40 ). However, it is unclear if the benefits of a vegetarian diet on the gut microbiome are due to a lack of meat intake or if other factors may also play a role. Summary Vegetarian and vegan diets may improve the microbiome. However, it is unclear if the positive effects associated with these diets can be attributed to a lack of meat intake or if other factors may be involved. 8. Eat foods rich in polyphenols Polyphenols are plant compounds that have many health benefits, including reductions in blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol levels, and oxidative stress ( 41 ). Human cells can’t always digest polyphenols. Because they aren’t absorbed efficiently, most polyphenols make their way to the colon, where they are digested by gut bacteria ( 42 , 43 ). Some examples of foods rich in polyphenols are: cocoa and dark chocolate
14 – 16 calories per pound for those that exercise moderately 3 – 5 times a week with relatively active lifestyles. 16 – 18 calories per pound for...
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Place the bread in the air fryer basket. No need to add any oil when air frying toast. Air fry toast at 400°F/200°C for 4-5 minutes, flipping it...
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Tomatoes contain a great deal of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. This is primarily because these vitamins and beta-carotene work as antioxidants to...
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Citrus fruit like lemon and lime, garlic, herbs, are the flavor that will always compliments seafood. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and...
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Apple cider vinegar isn't likely to be effective for weight loss. Proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits and...
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Reduce the bread – try bread free lunches once or twice a week, increasing until you are bread free. Try thin wraps or open sandwiches to cut back...
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