Innumerable times in life we come across this quote “What is your Gut feeling” literally translated as, what do you feel from within? Gut simply means your entire gastrointestinal track starting from your mouth to anus. Gut feeling is simply related to our self-instinct. Let us know what does our Gut health mean and why is it so important to take care of it?
A healthy gut is extremely crucial for the smooth functioning of our body and maintaining a healthy micro-biome (microorganisms in our body). A diet consisting of processed or junk foods, sugars and foods rich in fats encourage bad bacteria which are detrimental to health. A healthy diet consisting of pre and probiotic foods in turn promotes the growth of good bacteria which results in good health and disease free life.
Problems Caused By a Bad Gut
A bad gut is host to a number of health problems. It causes inability to digest food and causes gas, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating etc. A diet high in sugars can also reduce healthy gut microorganisms. This can introduce even more junk cravings leading to inflammation and a number of other diseases. An upset stomach is also responsible for weight fluctuations and inability to sleep. Conditions of the skin like eczema and food allergies are linked to a poor gut. An unhealthy gut affects one’s health in all aspects affecting health of heart, skin, lungs, colon, hormones, immune system, reactive oxygen species, weight, absorption of nutrients and development of cancer.

Foods to Include In Our Diet for a Good Gut
-
Fermented Foods
Fermented Soybeans (Nato, Tempeh), Fermented Cabbage (Sauerkraut), Fermented Chickpeas, Pickles, Yoghurt, fermented mixtures of Indian dals and cereals etc should be consumed due to presence of the good bacteria which aims at improving our immunity and digestion as they grow in the fermentation process.

fermented food collection
-
Probiotics and Prebiotics Food
Probiotics are live organisms (good bacteria) in our gut which improves our immune system, boosts our mental and physical health along with maintaining our digestive system and colon health. Foods like Yakult, Fermented batter preparations, Yogurt, Kefir are rich in probiotics.
Prebiotics is the food for the good bacteria. Foods high in fiber typically act as prebiotics which help in maintaining balance in good microorganisms. Leafy vegetables, legumes, bananas, onions, garlic etc help in preserving the fiber content and should be preferably consumed raw.

Probiotic and prebiotic rich foods including pulses, nuts, fruit and milk products, good for immunity and the gut
-
Fiber rich foods
Fruits are the extremely beneficial for overall health along with our gut and are easily available. Bananas, apples, Figs, Raspberries, Prunes and Avocados are rich source of fiber. Other fiber rich food such as Legumes, beans, grains, Vegetables all should be consumed aplenty to keep our Gut and us happy in the long run.

Diet rich in healthy and fresh foods can help in improving our gut health by maintain balance in gut bacteria. By reducing our stress levels in this fast paced life along with proper diet, sleep and plenty of water ensures our gut is well cared and looked after. Make your Gut feel Great!