Eat a variety of foods
There are around hundreds of species in your intestines. Each species plays a different role when it comes to maintaining health and requires a variety of nutrients for growth. According to scientists, a diverse microbiota is a healthy one. Having more species means having more bacteria you have, and the greater number of health benefits they may be able to provide. A diet, including a variety of foods, can contribute to a diverse range of microbiota. You may be amazed by the fact that the western diet is not diverse and consist of fat and sugar. A plant-based diet is considered to have different plant sources.
Add a lot of vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes
Nothing can be healthier than fruits and vegetables; they are indeed the best sources of nutrients for a healthy microbiota. They are rich in fibre which is easy to digest. However, the essential nutrient can also be digested by certain gut bacteria, which triggers growth. Beans and legumes are a great source of fibre. Some high fibre foods that are considered good for bacteria in your gut include lentils, whole grains, chickpeas, artichokes, and raspberries.
Include a variety of fermented foods in your plate
Fermented foods are useful for your gut. The process of fermenting involves yeasts or bacteria converting the sugars in foods to organic acid or alcohol. Eat fermented foods like kimchi, yoghurt, tempeh, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha. Many of these foods contain lactobacilli, a bacteria which is beneficial for your health. Those who snack on yoghurt appear to have more lactobacilli bacteria in their gut. These people tend to have fewer Enterobacteriaceae that are associated with inflammation and several chronic diseases.
Avoid artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are widely used across the world as the replacement for sugar. However, some clinical studies have shown that they can have a negative impact on the gut microbiota. An animal study showed that aspartame, a type of artificial sweetener, increases blood sugar and impaired insulin response.
Your gut health plays a key role in maintains your health. A lot of clinical studies have shown that disrupted microbiota can contribute to numerous diseases. The best way is to eat a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and beans. For treating gastrointestinal issues, there are several gastric drugs and medications available that can help restore gut health.