A healthy tummy absorbs the nutrients from the foods we eat. These nutrients or lack of can influence our immune system, our hormones. Inflamation in the gut can damage the seal in the lining and create a “leak”. The microbiome in our system need healthy bacteria to fight disease and inflammation.
Feeding our kids whole, plant-based foods is important in keeping things running smoothly. Fruits, vegetables and beans contain fiber which work as probiotics to feed the healthy bacteria. Fiber creates short -chain fatty acids which help control blood sugar and metabolize cholesterol.
Foods that are good for these microbiome include but are not limited to the following list. Fermented foods (if they will eat it) are also great for a healthy gut as well as greek yogurt with fruit and honey. Surprising fermented foods also include Parmigiana-Reggiano and Gouda and sourdough.
Not surprising, avoid foods that disturb the gut like junk foods and ultra-processed foods , preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and soda. These things disrupt the microbiome and can cause harmful overgrowth of the bad bacteria.
For more information on eating to beat disease check out Eat to Beat Disease
- peaches
- plums
- apricots
- mangoes
- pomegranate
- broccoli
- kale
- chickpeas
- lentils
- walnuts
