gut health tips
No one knew that our gut health directly impacts our overall health . gut doesn’t function properly, chronic inflammation can increase in the body, leading to many serious diseases.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Paul Manikkam has listed five foods that we should either avoid completely or eat in very small quantities. He says that he himself doesn’t usually eat these foods, and if he does, it’s not more than once every three months. So, let’s explore these five foods that should be avoided.
Sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats may taste delicious, but they contain many harmful ingredients. They are high in salt, nitrates, preservatives, and saturated fats, which can increase irritation and inflammation in the gut. According to Dr. Pal, these meats are difficult to digest and may also increase the risk of colon cancer.
If you eat non-vegetarian food, it’s best to choose lean meats (like chicken breast or fish) or include plant-based proteins (like lentils, tofu, chickpeas, etc.) in your diet . These are good for both your digestive system and heart
sugary drinks- Soft drinks, energy drinks, or packaged fruit juices may provide instant energy, but they offer almost no nutritional value. The high sugar content in them harms the good bacteria in the gut, leading to inflammation and numerous health problems. Frequent consumption of these drinks increases the risk of diseases like insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver. Dr. Pal explains that high-sugar drinks raise blood sugar immediately but cause a rapid drop after some time, leading to fatigue and frequent cravings for sweets .
If you feel like eating sweets, then eat dessert once a week or reduce your craving for sweets by eating one of your favorite fruits every day.
Ultra-Processed Foods- Ready-to-eat packages, snack pouches, or ready-to-eat meals aren’t just junk food, they’re also loaded with carbs, bad fats, preservatives, and chemical additives. These foods are low in fiber, which is essential for keeping our intestines clean and promoting good bacteria. Dr. Pal says that repeatedly eating these foods weakens the healthy lining of the gut and can lead to problems like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Refined White Flour (Maida)- The refined flour used in bread, pastries, pizza, and bakery items loses its fiber, vitamins, and minerals during production. Eating these foods can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, which can lead to problems like insulin resistance and obesity. Because refined flour is low in fiber, it slows down digestion and increases the risk of constipation.
Dr. Pal recommends using whole grain flour (such as wheat, barley, or multigrain flour) instead of refined flour. This will provide the body with essential nutrients, keep the intestines clean, and strengthen good bacteria.
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