01/07/2025
"Did you know that the health of your gut lining can influence how quickly you age? Eating gut-friendly foods that support beneficial bacteria may promote healthier, more radiant skin."
Here's a comprehensive list of gut-healthy foods categorized for easier understanding. These foods support the gut microbiome (gut bacteria), enhance digestion, and help maintain a healthy gut lining.
🥬 1. Fermented Foods (Rich in Probiotics)
These contain live bacteria that can help balance your gut flora:
1. Yogurt (with live cultures)
2. Kefir
3. Sauerkraut (raw/unpasteurized)
4. Kimchi
5. Miso
6. Tempeh
7. Natto
8. Kombucha
I know, the above can hardly be found in Sierra Leone, but we have yogurt. Eating organic unsweetened yogurt is a great choice.
Tip: you can gather some cabbage, onions, cucumber, bell pepper, soak them in water mixed vinegar, salt, honey or sugar and leave for days in fridge or at room temperature. There you've got your fermented food! You can put that with your salad or sandwiches.
🌾 2. Prebiotic Foods (Feed Good Gut Bacteria)
Prebiotics are types of fiber that nourish probiotics:
1. Garlic
2. Onions
3. Leeks
4. Asparagus
5. Bananas (especially slightly green)
6. Jerusalem artichokes
7. Chicory root
8. Dandelion greens
9. Oats (whole or steel-cut)
10. Barley
11. Apples (especially with skin)
12. Flaxseeds
🫘 3. High-Fiber Foods (Support Digestive Health)
These keep things moving and support a healthy gut lining:
1. Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
2. Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, bulgur)
3. Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, spinach)
4. Fruits (berries, pears, kiwi, figs)
5. Nuts & seeds (almonds, chia, pumpkin seeds)
In Salone, we call pumpkin seeds as egusi. There are many foods in the local market that are good for us.
🧄 4. Polyphenol-Rich Foods (Feed Beneficial Bacteria & Reduce Inflammation). Polyphenols are antioxidants that act like prebiotics:
1. Berries
2. Green tea
3. Olive oil
4. Cocoa & dark chocolate (≥70%)
5. Red wine (in moderation)
6. Cloves, rosemary, turmeric
🐟 5. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Foods (Reduce Gut Inflammation). Omega-3s promote a balanced immune response:
1. Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
2. Chia seeds
3. Flaxseeds
4. Walnuts
💧 6. Hydrating Foods & Fluids. Proper hydration supports digestion and gut motility:
1. Water
2. Cucumber
3. Celery
4. Bone broth (also supports gut lining due to collagen & glutamine)