The gut is probably one of the most exciting topics in health right now. We’re seeing so many breakthroughs in our understanding of how the gut works, why it’s important and what it means for our health. It’s fascinating!

The trillions of microbes in your gut are not only essential to how you digest food, they also provide enzymes, vitamins and control the calories you absorb, linking the health of the gut directly to weight issues.

Whether you want to lose weight or not, or whether you’re one of the 1 in 4 people who struggle with a digestive issue, you can benefit from improving your gut health.

Good gut health has a huge impact on your digestion, physical comfort, energy levels, immunity, mental health and your risk of disease.

So, what can you do now to start improving your gut health? Lots! What you eat and how you support your microbiome with certain foods and supplements will have a massive effect.

So to help you get started I thought I’d share 10 gut-friendly foods that will ease bloating, constipation, gas and other embarrassing digestive issues. Next time you’re out shopping be sure to pop these in your shopping basket.

CHAMOMILE & MINT TEA

Sip a cup of these herbal teas before bed, and you should easily drift off to nodland with a happy tummy.

BOK CHOY & FENNEL

Bok choy, unlike certain other cabbages, won’t make you feel uncomfortably full as it’s classified as a low FODMAP food. This stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides-, monosaccharides and polyols” and foods which are low on this shouldn’t make you feel bloated. Fennel is also a low FODMAP food.

STRAWBERRIES & RASPBERRIES

Strawberries and raspberries are also low FODMAP, and will not make your stomach feel like a balloon

GINGER

This root has a reputation for being able to reduce nausea and vomiting. It also appears to calm the digestive tract allowing food to move through with ease without cramping and getting backed up.

YOGURT & FERMENTED FOODS

Yogurt is a well-known source of probiotics, the friendly live bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, kefir, and kimchi also help displace bad bacteria.

OATS

Studies have shown that oats have prebiotic properties i.e. they feed the beneficial micro organisms in the digestive tract so increasing the growth of good bacteria.