Top Tips for Better Gut Health BY JARETT C. BIES, AVERA HEALTH
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ood health in our digestive system – the gut – goes well beyond tummy troubles. Jessica Morrell, CNP, IFMCP, a women’s health nurse practitioner, and Annie Ailts, MS, RDN, LN, IFNCP, a registered dietitian of Avera Medical Group Functional Medicine offer these insights that can help you achieve better belly health.
Everything Counts “Whatever you eat or drink will either feed the good bacteria or the bad bacteria in your gut,” Ailts said. “The bad bacteria love sugar and processed foods so limit your intake of candy, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, sugary breakfast foods, chips and other unhealthy snack foods and fast food. Instead, focus on whole foods such as vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. It’s also important to note that artificial sweeteners can disrupt the
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gut microbiome and cause an overabundance of harmful bacteria so avoid ‘diet’ and ‘sugar-free’ products, too.”
Fermented Foods and Fiber Good gut health gets help from fermented foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut. High-fiber vegetables also aid the good bacteria and nullify the bad. “Yogurt is may be helpful for some people, but if it’s high in sugar, it is counterproductive,” said Morrell. “People who have an intolerance to dairy shouldn’t use yogurt to help with gut health. Some fermented foods don’t help every person – each digestive system is unique.”
Knowing the Signs You can tell if your gut microbiome is not doing well – you’ll feel bloated, have irregular bathroom habits, increased gas and plenty
