there is now Many Gut Health Plans (super gut and heart-gut connection are two big diet books), but it mostly comes down to one idea: the gastrointestinal system is home to 100 trillion good and bad bacteria known as the microbiome. Feed them what they like and they’ll give back to you by helping with disease prevention and general health. . . the opposite may happen.
Follow their plan, these diets are advertised and you will optimize the bacteria in your digestive system.
A system that fights inflammation, boosts immunity and treats mood disorders.
But wait, really?
What are the benefits of a gut health diet?
They vary with the particular diet, but postulated benefits include improved digestive health (natural), weight loss, improved brain function, emotional stability, improved sleep, and disease prevention. but not limited to these.
So, like everything.
But again, these promise of gut health diet plan.
What do you eat on a gut health diet?
Many gut-healthy diets omit added sugars, processed meats, and alcohol because they are likely to feed bad gut bacteria. Products and legumes are restricted.
However, you can eat plenty of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir) are encouraged to promote good bacteria.
Is a gut health diet healthy?
it depends.
Incorporating produce into every meal, as prescribed by the Gut Health Diet, will help you get the recommended 35 grams of fiber each day. Reducing your intake of ultra-processed foods is always a good idea for people with and without digestive problems.
But while the science on the gut microbiome is promising, very newResearchers have yet to discover whether there is an optimal microbiome for everyone, how much diet really matters, or why certain foods play more important roles. There are some studies linking the microbiome to physical and mental (and digestive) health benefits, but nothing is as yet conclusive.
Verdict: Eating enough fiber is never a bad idea. But many gut health diets cut out multiple food groups without strong scientific backing, says gut health researcher Dr. Gabriel Fundaro. You may feel better because you’re replacing carbs with a more fibrous source, but you may be stuck on an extremely restrictive diet. non-exclusive.
A version of this article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue. men’s health.
Abby Langer, RD is the owner of Abby Langer Nutrition, a Toronto-based nutrition consulting and communications company.