5 food combinations that naturally boost gut health

A healthy gut is a sign of a healthy and fit body. Hence, it is very important to eat the right foods, in the right quantity and combinations, to keep the gut and digestive health in place. It is said that fiber-rich foods are good for the gut, and keeping the same in view, Harvard gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi recently talked about 5 food combinations that can help boost gut health naturally. Scroll down to read the details.

As per Dr Sethi, if you add black pepper to turmeric latte, the piperine in pepper boosts curcumin absorption by 2000%. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, consumption of turmeric and black pepper together can significantly lower post-meal blood sugar, reduce hunger, and increase fullness without affecting digestion.

He says that if you add mustard seeds while cooking cruciferous veggies like cabbage or cauliflower, the natural enzymes boost sulforaphane, which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. It is said that these tiny seeds are packed with fiber, which helps in easy bowel movement and enhances the digestive power of the body.

According to Dr Sethi, if you squeeze lemon juice into your regular green tea, the vitamin C helps absorb more antioxidants. It is said that lemon juice may help reduce constipation and related bloating. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also recommends it for managing constipation, potentially aiding those with ileostomies.

If you snack on blueberries and walnuts, the polyphenols and omega-3s team up to protect the brain and gut health too. As per a study, blueberry supplementation improves gut health by improving intestinal morphology, reducing gut permeability, and suppressing oxidative stress.

The fiber in seeds and antioxidants in yogurt help boost gut health. As per Harvard Health, the fiber in chia seeds can also aid healthy digestion by softening the stool and providing bulk to it. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, basil seeds are high in dietary fiber and, thus, have huge potential as a functional ingredient that boosts gut health.