Intestinal diet and supplementation

Maintaining a healthy digestive system is primarily due to proper nutrition. Prevention, meaning a well-balanced diet, is key. In some cases, supplementation is also worthwhile. We'll advise you when this might be helpful and what to eat to maintain a healthy gut.

What is a healthy gut diet?

When the entire body is functioning properly, you shouldn't generally feel the processes occurring deep in the viscera, beyond the obvious symptoms of hunger and satiety. However, worsening digestive symptoms are very troublesome and immediately noticeable. Bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, abnormal stool color, and irregular bowel movements can occur. A healthy gut diet for a healthy person who doesn't suffer from these conditions is a balanced menu that supports proper digestive processes. A gut-healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods—packed with fiber and essential vitamins.

Diet for the intestines - supplements for the intestines and their effects

Very intensive digestion and nutrient absorption processes occur within the small intestine. It's only in the large intestine that fecal masses are formed – colonies of beneficial bacteria inhabit this area, facilitating the excretion of undigested waste. It's this process that can be supported in certain conditions by taking gut supplements. These primarily include probiotics, carefully selected strains of beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics – primarily the fiber they feed on. This fiber positively affects intestinal peristalsis, or movement, and binds water, facilitating bowel movements. Therefore, gut health supplements primarily support the microflora of the digestive system.

Probiotics for the intestines

Antibiotic therapy is a condition that requires particular attention to your gut microbiota. During treatment, both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria are destroyed.

Before starting probiotics, it's worth remembering to perform a laboratory test to determine the status of your gut microbiota so you can choose a good probiotic for your gut, one that contains not only the appropriate amounts but also the specific microbial species currently missing in your body. Consult your doctor if you're unsure which probiotic to use for your gut to ensure that the treatment is effective and brings relief from digestive problems. If you wish, you can also incorporate appropriate probiotics in the form of natural products into your gut-healthy diet. Natural probiotics for the gut include sauerkraut, beets, and lemons.

Fiber for the intestines

A well-functioning digestive system not only eliminates intestinal discomfort, but also helps maintain a slim figure and promotes preventative health care. When it comes to recommended dietary supplements, fiber for the intestines is one of the cheapest yet effective products. Which fiber for the intestines should you choose? Available options include:

• chicory inulin,
• vital fiber from psyllium and plantain,
• linseed – however, it should not be consumed by people suffering from severe constipation.

Each of these products should be taken with plenty of water and the recommended doses should not be exceeded. This can cause diarrhea, which can lead to loss of some nutrients and water from the body. It's also worth incorporating fiber into the intestines in the form of natural foods, such as:

• lentils,
• vegetables,
• fruit,
• whole grain bread and flour,
• bran.

A balanced, varied diet is recommended for those who want to prevent intestinal problems. Patients who already experience them should undergo a thorough diagnosis and develop a specific treatment and nutritional plan with the support of a dietitian. Eliminating certain foods from the diet may be necessary.

Polyphenols

In addition to probiotics and fiber, people suffering from intestinal ailments or simply wanting to support their digestive system can reach for antioxidants. Dietary polyphenols have anti-inflammatory properties and may therefore prevent the development of inflammatory bowel diseases. The causes of some of these diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are still unknown. However, a healthy diet and attention to bacterial flora can reduce the risk of their occurrence. Polyphenols are found primarily in natural foods, such as:

• red wine,
• tea,
• cocoa,
• berries (e.g. chokeberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries),
• vegetables (e.g. chicory, broccoli, spinach).

Intestinal diet - the most important rules

To keep your body in top condition, you should first take care of your nutrition. A gut-healthy diet is all about variety and quality. What are the most important principles to consider when planning your meals?

1. Avoiding stimulants. Large amounts of coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes have a very negative impact on digestive processes. A diet for healthy gut should therefore primarily include reducing unhealthy eating habits.

2. Eat as little processed food as possible. The products you eat should be as simple as possible. Make your own sauces, eat as simply as possible, and avoid deep-frying, instant meals, and fast food. The compounds contained in such foods often have a pro-inflammatory effect!

3. Quality. If you eat meat, eat it in small quantities, from reliable sources, and of good quality. Whenever possible, eat organic fruits and vegetables.

4. Be sure to eat a varied diet. Include seasonal and dried fruits (but in small quantities, as they are difficult to digest and can cause flatulence!), root and leafy vegetables, and various types of groats and grains. Avoid monotony!

5. A diet for intestinal diseases should always be consulted with a dietitian!

Diet for the intestines - what to eat for healthy intestines

It's crucial that your diet includes minimally processed, varied, and always fresh foods. The healthiest foods for your gut include fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and seeds. Use herbs to enhance flavor!

Intestinal diet – products not recommended

It's best to avoid daily consumption of hard-to-digest foods like yellow cheese, fatty meats, or gas-inducing foods like cabbage and peas. Alcohol, large amounts of coffee, cigarettes, and carbonated sweetened drinks are also discouraged. Once you break these unhealthy eating habits, you'll feel the difference almost immediately!

Diet for a healthy gut - other tips

To keep your digestive system in good shape, it's best to avoid overeating. A good idea is to eat 4-5 smaller meals a day, rich in fiber and polyphenols, and supplement with probiotics. Not sure exactly what to eat for a healthy gut? Seek the help of a dietitian who will create a precise plan, or order dietary catering tailored to your needs!