5 Surprising Foods That Are Disrupting Your Gut Health

Are you frequently suffering from digestive issues? One of the primary reasons behind the persistent stomach upset is unhealthy gut health. The gut plays an essential part in your body that significantly controls metabolism, digestion, and overall good health. It is home to different species of bacteria, some of which are essential for breaking down particles of food and absorbing nutrients. A reduction in the number of helpful gut bacteria results in various health complications like inflammation, weight gain, inflammatory bowel disease and even colorectal cancer.
To keep a balance between good and harmful bacteria in the gut, it is your diet that has a significant role to play, says Dr. Indraneel Saha, a reputed gastro doctor in Kolkata. Sugary, oily and highly processed foods slow down the digestion process, leading to a range of issues like bloating, nausea and sluggishness.
Surprisingly, there are food items that might be worsening your gut, which we unknowingly consume without even realising. In this blog, we have compiled a list of food items that you should keep to a minimum and avoid including them in your diet.

Foods That Are Disrupting Your Gut Health

With so much diversity in our diet, sometimes it becomes difficult to choose foods that you must include in your diet. Here are some of the foods that you must cut off from your eating patterns.

• Gluten: Known for being present in bread, pasta, baked goods and many grains, gluten contains a lot of vitamins and other nutrients. However, it is only good for people who can digest them; otherwise, gluten-rich foods can cause gut distress and many people feel sick after eating them.
• Dairy products: Dairy items are associated with high sources of calcium, which is required by our body for stronger bones. However, not many people understand that they are lactose intolerant (a condition that causes gut irritation). Even if you are not lactose intolerant, there is still a chance of inflammation, especially if you have metabolic abnormalities after eating dairy products.
• Red meat: We all know that red meat increases the chance of cardiovascular disease. But eating red meat on a daily basis also affects the gut health. It creates an imbalance in the gut bacteria (increases the bad ones and decreases the good). Red meat also contains high saturated fat, which affects the gut and results in digestive issues.
• GMO products: Genetically modified organisms or GMO products are known to cause significant gut issues, though they have not been scientifically proven. For example, glyphosate ( herbicide) is used to grow many food items, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, which harm the gut microbiome. If GMO products are consumed, the artificial genes get transferred into the gut bacteria, which causes a change in its function.
• Artificial sweeteners: Many people take saccharin and sucralose as a form of popular sugar replacement. However, recent research reveals that too much consumption of artificial sweeteners can change the composition of gut bacteria. It has also been proven that people who consume a lot of artificial sweeteners mostly have a high chance of being glucose intolerant in comparison to those who consume normal sugar.

Tips To Improve Your Gut Health

Dr. Indraneel Saha, a gastro doctor in Kolkata, recommended several useful tips to improve your gut health.

• Increase your fibre intake to keep your digestive system running smoothly.
• Take probiotics to increase good bacteria in the microbiome.
• Chew your food thoroughly for easy digestion.
• Avoid unhealthy food, which can irritate your gut.

Conclusion

Even if you can’t avoid these food items at all, make sure to limit their quantity. In case you are frustrated with regular digestive issues, it is advisable to get in touch with a gastro doctor in Kolkata who will provide you with a personalised diet chart based on your requirements.