Every year, 60-70 million Americans are afflicted with gut and digestive diseases, resulting in emergency room visits and other preventable expenses. Many of these conditions can be prevented by avoiding specific foods in your diet.
Are these 9 foods sabotaging your gut health?
“Diet” Foods and Drinks
Artificial sweeteners can cause bloating, and low-fat foods usually have more sugar and artificial ingredients than their original versions. Both of these wreak havoc on the gut bacteria and microbes that keep your gut healthy. According to a study performed by the National Institute of Health, a poorly tended gut microbiome has been solidly linked to obesity and various diseases.
Charred and Processed Meats
Certain forms of charred food such as burgers and hotdogs have been linked to an increased risk of various stomach-based cancers.
In addition, an essential part of gut health are the bacteria that live inside of your digestive system. The antibiotics in some meats will kill off both the good and the bad bacteria, which can wreak havoc on your internal ecosystem.
Sugary Foods
Sugary foods feed bad bacteria and fungi, leading to inflammation and other issues as it modifies the entire gut biome.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are very rich in fats that reduce the diversity of your gut microbiome. If you suffer regular constipation and bloating after eating fried foods, it may be time to look into baked items.
Eggs
The bacteria that feeds off of proteins in eggs produce a compound that increases the risk of thrombosis, strokes, and heart attacks. Eggs themselves can be helpful in small amounts, but they should be eaten in moderation.
Essential Omega 3’s: ARCTIC PURE KRILL AS LOW AS $19 PER BOTTLE + FREE SHIPPING!
Dairy
Some studies show that too many dairy products can be bad for your gut microbiome, causing inflammation and intestinal diseases to flourish. Keep cheese, milk, and other dairy products in low moderation.
Gluten
According to studies, gluten-rich foods can cause problems in people even if they aren’t gluten intolerant [9]. Those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease are especially susceptible to issues such as stomach pain and bloating.
Alcohols
Alcohol damages the protective coating that lines the intestines, making it easier for harmful bacteria to absorb into the bloodstream. It also acts as a form of nourishment for other bad bacteria.
Soy
While organic and traditionally produced soy can be very healthy, most of the soy we consume is genetically modified and full of processed ingredients. As a result, a high soy diet can wreak havoc on your gut health, especially in the good bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
The Bottom Line
You can take control of your gut health by eating foods in moderation and being mindful of how your body reacts to them. You can also help restore good gut bacteria with prebiotics and probiotics! Want to learn more? Check out our other articles and recommended products below.
Advanced Probiotic7 Formula Now With 5.75 Billion Organisms Per Capsule! BUY ONE GET ONE FREE + FREE SHIPPING!