For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

Foods For Healthy Intestines

By Pooja Kaushal

A healthy body lies in a healthy gut. Sounds a bit like over rating the gut but think for yourself; what would be your state if you have an upset tummy? Definitely not okay, right? In order to be in the best of health, it is very important to keep the digestive system in the best of shape and hence, it is essential to consume foods for healthy intestines.

Life has changed and the ways we perceive food has also undergone massive changes, especially in large cities. Getting pre-packed foods have become the order of the day. Junk food has largely invaded all kitchens and many families depend upon ready-to-cook pre-mixes or ready-to-eat stuff.

IS YOUR REFRIGERATED FOOD HEALTHY? FIND OUT

All this leads to a great amount of disturbance on the digestive tract. One big reason for this is the fact that all store bought foods are highly processed and contain refined flours. Not to forget the preservatives and flavour enhancers.

In order to maintain a healthy gut, you must adopt healthy habits and this includes having foods to clean intestines. By clean intestine, we mean foods that digest easily and do not cause trouble to the intestines.

The first and foremost thing to do is to eat fresh home cooked food. When cooking at home, it is important to be careful of the ingredients and include healthy options.

Intestine healthy foods:

Whole grains

Whole grains

One of the foods for healthy intestines is whole grain. The increasing dependence on junk food is taking people towards the refined flour section. It is time to turn back and have whole grains, which are full of fibre and nutrition. As we all know, fibre is greatly beneficial for a healthy digestion.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables

Eat your fruits and vegetables rather than juicing them. This ensures that you get all the fibre present in them. It is important for good digestion. Also, do not overcook your vegetables as that robs them off their nutrition. Among fruits, make sure to include bananas in your diet as it is soothing to the gut and easy on the stomach.

Yogurt

Yogurt

Milk can be difficult to digest for some people but in yogurt form, it is one of best foods for healthy intestines. Yogurt contains all the good bacteria required for a good digestive system. Be it probiotic or not, this fermented milk product is an amazing gut-friendly food. Buttermilk is also good.

Coconut water

Coconut water

It is pure, natural and full of nutritional benefits. Coconut water is known to soothe the digestive tract. It regulates the functioning of the intestine. Water from one coconut every day works wonders for the intestine and keeps the system functioning at its best.

Lean meat/fish/egg

Lean meat/fish/egg

If you wish to have meats, stick to the lean variety like chicken. This is easier to digest compared to the red meats. Fish is fairly easy to digest as well. Another wholesome and easily digestible food is the egg. Many people consider egg to be heavy on the system, but on the contrary, an egg a day is rather comfortable for the gut.

Ginger

Ginger

Ginger in limited quantity is also known to be one of the foods to clean intestines. It aids in digestion and helps control acidity. But if you overdo the use of this root, the results can backfire. Keep it to 2-4 grams a day.

Water

Water

Talking about a healthy digestive system and not to mention water would be rather surprising. Water is important for all functions of the body, including digestion. Whenever you are thirsty, have water, rather than going for any sugar laden, carbonated soft drink. Water flushes toxins from the body, helps in the digestion process and keeps all systems healthy.

Story first published: Friday, October 31, 2014, 17:12 [IST]
Read more about: foods nutrition