Did you know that many different kinds of bacteria are found in your gut? This is not a bad thing! While some of these bacteria are harmful, others are good for your overall health and also needed for the proper functioning of your body. It is essential to have balance in the gut microbiome - and support good bacteria rather than bad ones. Detoxifying your gut, that is, taking care to remove any toxins from your system, thus becomes of primary importance. Celebrity Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal recently shed light on this topic via her Instagram page. Find out more below.
Also Read: 7 Food Tips That May Help You Keep Your Digestive System Healthy
Why Is Gut Detox Important?
Many people think that your gut is only linked to your digestive health. This is a common misconception. Poor gut health has been associated with conditions including obesity, kidney issues, heart disease, anxiety and more. It may also worsen hormonal imbalances and skin problems. Most systems of your body are interconnected. Therefore, any disruption in even one of them has a far-reaching effect. Now, let us understand how you can keep your gut health in top shape:
Also Read: Here's The Surprising Link Between Your Gut And Immunity, And How To Keep Both Healthy
Here Are 5 Ways To Boost Gut Detox:
Nmami explains that the gut naturally detoxifies itself "through regular bowel movements, action of liver and presence of good gut bacteria." But you can take certain steps to promote your overall gut health and thus boost detox. We have explained some of the nutritionist's recommendations below:
1. Limit processed food items:
Processed food is bad for your gut health. Photo Credit: iStock
Processed foods would include most junk/fast food items, packaged snacks, and others. They tend to be high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. Thus, they may disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome.
2. Avoid added sugar as far as possible:
Consistent consumption of refined sugar has been linked with a range of health problems, and can also damage gut health. Opt for natural alternatives to sweeten foods in moderation.
3. Stay away from foods that cause inflammation:
Certain foods are known to cause inflammation in the body and can put gut health at risk. Processed foods and sugar often come under this category, though individual reactions to them may differ. Fried foods, refined carbohydrates and alcohol are also generally believed to lead to inflammation.
Also Read: Nutritionist Warns Against These 6 Everyday Foods That Lead To Poor Gut Health
4. Include gut-friendly foods in your diet:
There are many types of common, everyday foods that can support the growth and functioning of good bacteria in your gut. (We shall discuss some of them below). Make it a point to consume them regularly.
5. Move your body:
According to Nmami, regular exercise, yoga or even just walking can help promote a healthy gut. So, if you have a sedentary lifestyle, ensure you stay active in one way or another.
Which Foods Help In Gut Detox?
The nutritionist has also recommended adding specific foods to your diet, in order to support gut detoxification:
1. Fresh fruits and veggies:
High-fibre vegetables can greatly boost your gut health. Photo Credit: Pexels
Many fruits and veggies are packed with fibre. Nmami underlines that "Fiber promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including specific types such as Bifidobacteria."
2. Fermented foods
Nmami explains that fermented foods can "benefit the microbiome by enhancing its function and reducing the abundance of disease-causing bacteria in the intestines." She thus advises us to have yoghurt, idli, dosa, etc.
3. Prebiotics
"Prebiotics can also promote the growth of several types of beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacteria," points out the nutritionist. Thus, make it a point to include onions, garlic, apples, etc. in your diet.
4. Foods rich in polyphenols
Finally, Nmami also reveals that certain foods with polyphenols, like almonds, blueberry, broccoli, etc., are also good for your gut. She states, "Polyphenols can't be digested efficiently by human cells, but they are efficiently broken down by the gut microbiota. They may improve several health outcomes related to heart disease and inflammation." Include-
Check out her complete reel below
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.