Heaviness in the stomach, bloating and pain in the abdomen are sensations that everyone has encountered at least once in their life.
Over the past 20-30 years, diseases of the digestive tract have become “younger”. If earlier gastritis was a disease of students, today it is more and more often registered in school-age children.
Doctors talked about 7 of the healthiest foods for the gastrointestinal tract that can help maintain health and normal digestion.
Favorite 7 foods of gastroenterologists
1. Bananas
Nutritionists recommend replacing fatty desserts with them, especially for patients with diseases of the biliary tract and cholecystitis.
They contain a large amount of fiber, which is necessary for normal bowel function, stimulation of peristalsis and prevention of constipation.
A sufficient amount of fiber in the diet supports a normal microbiome, and this is the prevention of inflammatory bowel diseases and even colorectal cancer, as the most common type of cancer.
Bananas are high in potassium, which is much healthier than sodium. It reduces the likelihood of edema, helps control blood pressure and heart and vascular health.
But bananas are high in calories, so they need to be limited. Especially for patients suffering from diabetes.
2. Fermented milk products
These products are valued primarily due to the composition of lactobacilli.
They are necessary to maintain normal microflora and bacterial balance, due to which the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria is inhibited. Lactobacilli are known to make the digestive tract less sensitive to irritants.
Fermented milk products are also a source of useful protein, which is broken down into essential amino acids during digestion.
Amino acids are actively involved in metabolic processes. By the way, in case of serious diseases of the digestive tract, fermented milk products are practically the only source of valuable protein.
3. Honey and bee products
It is a storehouse of nutrients for the health of the digestive tract.
The medicinal properties of honey have long been known; it is actively used in folk medicine. You can find many recipes for the treatment of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, as well as gastritis.
If honey is eaten 2 hours before a meal, it will help reduce gastric secretion. This action will be beneficial for patients with gastritis with high acidity.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast. It is a source of valuable proteins, vitamins, many minerals and, of course, fiber, which stimulates peristalsis and prevents constipation.
This cereal is recommended to be included in the diet of patients who suffer from frequent bloating and pain in the abdomen. Mucous cereals are the basis of the diet for exacerbation of gastritis, gastric ulcer. Such dishes envelop the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, prevent the progression of inflammatory bowel diseases.
The fiber in cereals stimulates peristalsis, maintains a normal microbiome, and prevents inflammatory bowel disease.
Oatmeal is a slow carbohydrate that keeps blood sugar levels stable and prevents spikes in blood sugar. And this is the prevention of possible complications of diabetes.
5. Flax seeds
Flax seeds are a healthy product. Its active substances stimulate tissue regeneration, accelerate the healing of ulcers.
Due to the content of fiber, they stimulate intestinal motility, and also reduce the acidity of gastric juice. Flax seed oil coats the lining of the digestive tract, especially the stomach.
Flax seed is also a source of lignan, a natural antioxidant, phytoestrogen, and a powerful anticancer agent. It has been proven to be effective in the prevention of breast, prostate, bowel and other cancers.
6. Sour cabbage
Sour cabbage (Sauerkraut) is much healthier for the stomach and intestines than fresh cabbage.
Sour cabbage retains all nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In addition, lactic acid is added, which is formed during the fermentation process.
In addition, it is also a source of lactobacilli, and lactic acid helps maintain the microbiome. Microbial balance is a guarantee of health, prevention of the development of pathogenic bacteria.
7. Spinach
Spinach is considered a superfood due to its high antioxidant content.
These are natural compounds that neutralize free radicals and prevent premature aging. The benefits of spinach in the prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have been proven.
Spinach provides the body with essential nutrients: amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. Spinach contains a large amount of fiber, which stimulates the intestines, prevents constipation, etc.
General dietary guidelines
The above foods are beneficial for maintaining gut health.
However, for the prevention of diseases, you need to adhere to the general recommendations for cooking and drawing up a diet:
- Exclusion of irritating food: spicy, sour, smoked, reducing the number of semi-finished products.
- Recommended 5-6 meals a day.
- Dishes should be of medium temperature, with the exception of hot, cold. It is recommended to chew food thoroughly.
- Well, and most importantly, for the prevention of diseases of the digestive tract, stress must be eliminated, as well as other negative environmental factors.
Read more:
5 signs that raw meat or fish are unsuitable for eating
