If you’re looking to optimize whole-body health, one of the first places you should examine is your gut. You could start by asking yourself: How’s my digestion? Do I feel bloated? Is what I’m consuming nourishing my gut microbiome?
If your answer to that last question is a resounding “no” or a less certain “maybe,”don’t stress! We rounded up an expert-approved (and seriously comprehensive) list of gut-friendly foods and supplements to kick-start your journey.* Screenshot or bookmark this list to make your life easier next time you head to the supermarket.
According to registered dietitian Ella Davar, R.D., CDN, non-starchy vegetables are high in nutrients and gut-healthy fiber, which helps support digestion.* “The bioactive compound in cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane (a well-studied compound in broccoli), has been found to lower inflammatory markers, support liver functioning, improve natural detoxification processes, and improve digestion,” she says.
When possible, registered dietitian and mbg Collective member Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN, recommends filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables.
Artichoke
Asparagus
Broccoli
Broccoli sprouts
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Mushrooms
Radish
Zucchini
Certain herbs and spices provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, support a healthy gut, and promote abdominal comfort.*
“One of the easiest ways to [get natural probiotics] is to increase the number of probiotic-rich foods in your diet,” family medicine physician Sophia Tolliver, M.D., MPH, once told mbg.
And in case you need a refresher: Probiotics are live bacteria or yeast that live in your body and naturally occur in some foods. Consuming them is a good way to maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut.* When purchasing foods rich in probiotics, Cording says to look for “minimally processed versions without added sweeteners or preservatives.”
Organic chicken (not a major source of healthy fats but an option for protein)
Starchy vegetables are rich in gut-healthy fiber, along with other nutrients like calcium, iron, and B vitamins, Davar says. “In moderation, they are a necessary part of a healthy, balanced diet,” she adds.
Beets
Carrots
Parsnips
Pumpkin
Squash
Sweet potatoes
Turnips
Yams
Gut-optimizing supplements
We could all use a little extra support to maintain optimal gut health, which is where supplementation can come in handy.*
