Want A Healthier Gut? Try Eating These Nutrient-Rich Foods

(Health) They do a tummy good. by Natalia Lusinski Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: November 11, 2022 Shutterstock

Bananas

You may know that bananas are good for you — they have a lot of potassium — but did you know they’re also good for gut health ? This is because they contain a prebiotic fiber , which helps the good bacteria in your gut, and research shows bananas can also help your digestive system stay “regular,” too. Tetra Images/Getty Images

Yogurt

This fermented treat contains live cultures and good bacteria, like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium — which means a lot of probiotic cultures for you and your gut. Shutterstock

Kefir

If you prefer to drink your yogurt, kefir is like yogurt’s cousin. It’s made from yeast and lactic acid bacteria; in other words, it’s good for you and rich in probiotics. Shutterstock

Almonds

Research found that a handful of almonds per day can help produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that acts as a main source of fuel for colon cells. Plus, it can help with nutrient absorption. Sahil Ghosh /Getty Images

Oatmeal

Research has found that whole grains, like oats, can help your gut stay healthy. So you may want to make some oatmeal to have with your banana, yogurt, and almonds. tmedvedtskaya /Getty Images

Kombucha

Kombucha, which is fermented from tea and sugar, comes in all kinds of flavors. It’s not only delicious, but good for you and your digestive system, due to its live bacteria/microbes content. It also has polyphenols, which help lower inflammation , the cause of many health conditions. Natalia Kazakova /Getty Images

Kimchi & Sauerkraut

If you’re a fan of fermented foods , like sauerkraut and kimchi, great news: They’re great for your gut due to their high probiotic content. You can buy them pre-made or DIY at home . AshaSathees Photography/Moment/Getty Images

Greens

Leafy greens — think kale or spinach — not only have a lot of fiber, but also a type of sugar (i.e., carbohydrate ) that is good for your gut bacteria. Leafy greens actually promote more good bacteria to produce in your digestive tract while crowding out the bad bacteria. Barry Winiker/Photodisc/Getty Images

Avocados

Did you know avocados are good for your gut ? And they’re so versatile, you can have them mashed on toast, add them to a sandwich, or blend one up in your daily smoothie . asep rustian permana /Getty Images