Until recently, the role of the intestines has not been fully appreciated. They were mainly associated with the functioning of the digestive system, because it is thanks to them that our body receives all the nutrients necessary for its functioning. Intestinal dysfunction is not only bloating, diarrhea or constipation – it is a problem of the whole organism, which suddenly has an energy deficit and has no conditions to perform its functions.
Until recently, the role of the intestines has not been fully appreciated. They were mainly associated with the functioning of the digestive system, because it is thanks to them that our body receives all the nutrients necessary for its functioning . Intestinal dysfunction is not only bloating, diarrhea or constipation – it is a problem of the whole organism, which suddenly has an energy deficit and has no conditions to perform its functions.
Currently, we value the intestinal values more, both for physical and mental health. Augmentation of probiotics and prebiotics has become popular. Pharmaceutical concerns are probably rubbing their hands. Well-chosen supplements can actually help the intestinal work, but it will be useless if the hygiene of our lives and proper nutrition are beyond the reach of our interests.
Below are some of the best bowel-friendly foods that help them work at higher speeds and in accordance with their purpose.
- Kimchi
Fermented Korean cabbage contains two strains of bacteria, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, valuable for our intestines. The kimchi properties are very similar to our sauerkraut. It is a source of fiber, many minerals, cleanses the body of parasites and is said to have a positive effect on the treatment of cancer.
How is kimchi formed? Strangely, this is nothing fancy. Ingredients of kimchi are quite common – Chinese cabbage, Japanese radish, onion, chilli pepper, garlic, sea salt, ginger, rice flour and sugar. After the composition, you can see that it is a spicy dish.
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- Kombucha
Under this mysterious name is fermented tea. It may sound strange, but it looks even stranger! Because a jar of tea with a thick jelly-like layer on top looks inviting? Not particularly, but knowing the properties of this drink, some of you may be tempted to try.
Kombucha is also known as the Tibetan mushroom. It is a very rich source of many nutrients, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, calcium, copper and iron. In addition, it also contains organic acids such as acetic, gluconic and lactic acids. Interestingly, the Tibetan mushroom drink also contains caffeine, sugar and alcohol.
The most important properties of the drink include improvement in immunity, alleviation of symptoms of chronic fatigue, and stomach problems.
- Yogurt
Yoghurt, like kimchi and kombucha, is also a product that arises in the fermentation process. Regular consumption improves the functioning of the digestive system and the general quality of life.
Unfortunately, we have yoghurts of different quality in our stores and it’s worth spending some time reading labels and selecting yogurts that have at least 1 billion active strains of bacteria. It is a good idea to invest in yoghurts and make yogurt yourself (you can control its composition then). It is not an expensive device, so for lovers of yogurt, kefir, etc., this may be a good solution.
- Artichokes
Also known as topinambur, it is not yet a very popular plant and many of you have never tried it. And it’s worth it because it adds an interesting taste to dishes and of course has many nutritional values. Appearance resembles something between potato and ginger, the taste in turn has a distinct, somewhat reminiscent of artichokes. Topinambur contains inulin, a natural prebiotic that supports bacteria that are beneficial to our body. Inulin is not digested by human enzymes and goes in the undigested form to the large intestine. There, it fermentes and nourishes the bacterial flora, thanks to which it improves intestinal peristalsis and strengthens the body’s immune system.
Inulin is positive for our body, but it is not advisable for its excess, therefore, introducing into the diet of products that contain it (except topinambur also chicory, asparagus, garlic, dandelion root) should be done gradually, in small quantities.
- Young barley
Young barley is becoming more and more popular and it’s not surprising because all the products presented here have many valuable properties. It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, supports the treatment of acne and reduces pain in the joints and stomach.
It is also a source of fiber, so it improves intestinal peristalsis and also supports slimming. It also contains B vitamins, vitamin C and E, beta carotene, choline, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and more than 20 enzymes.
- Apples
One of the most commonly consumed fruit by us. Already one apple a day will provide us with a large dose of pectin. This fruit regulates the digestive processes and is a quick, sweet snack when we get a little hunger.
- Shirataki noodles
Have you heard about pasta that has only a few calories per 100 g of product? This is shirataki pasta made from Konjac. It has a neutral taste and a delicate consistency. Its advantage is that it can be consumed by people on a vegan diet, gluten-free, lactose-free, low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet and many more. Thanks to the fact that there is no dominant taste, you can prepare it in many ways by adding spices.
Shirataki noodles contain almost no nutrients. Its advantage is low caloric content, so it can be consumed by overweight people. Increases the volume of the meal, so you do not feel so much of a calorie deficit.
- Cocoa
This list also includes cocoa and this is not an excuse to allow yourself to eat chocolate with impunity. Surprisingly, cocoa also has a prebiotic effect. How is this possible? Everything happens due to polyphenols, which when combined into larger molecules become food for bacteria. The condition is, however, a high percentage of cocoa content – a minimum of 70%, without trans fats and no sugar.
- Wheat bran
It is always said that one should reach for the least processed food. Also full grain will have more nutritional value than its processed, purified version. Wheat bran contains a lot of dietary fiber, insoluble in water. They improve intestinal peristalsis, but also provide many valuable vitamins and minerals – B vitamins, magnesium, iron, copper, potassium, zinc, iodine. However, they have a lot of phosphorus, which is their disadvantage, because in our diet this element occurs in excessive amounts.
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