Grains and gut health

Gut health is more than just good digestion – a healthy gut has been connected to a healthy brain, healthy immune system and lowers the risk for some chronic diseases. Gut health is normally the measurement of stool frequency and consistency, and the health of the cells that make up our digestive tract. More recently, research has begun to measure gut health on the type and diversity of bacteria found in our digestive tracts.

Fibre, a common nutrient found in grains and other plant foods is essential to a healthy balanced diet. Fibre may help to lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad”, or unhealthy, cholesterol) and it can also help to manage blood glucose (blood sugar). Eating a fibre food helps to keep you feeling full which can help in maintaining a healthy body weight and fibre may also lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

In terms of gut health, fibre aids in digestion and helps to keep bowels moving regularly. When ingesting fibre foods (like whole wheat pasta or bread), the fibre is fermented by microbes (very small organism) found in our guts to produce short chain fatty acids. They can help create a good environment for good bacteria to grow in out gut, improve the integrity of gut barrier, help in mineral absorption and provide energy for both our gut bacteria and us.

Biotics

Prebiotics are the type of fibre that fees the good bacteria in your gut. Things like whole grain bread, oats, and whole grain barley are great sources.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts provide a health benefit on the host (our bodies). Yogurt, kefir are great sources of probiotics.

Eat to support gut health

To support our gut health, eat whole grains foods like whole wheat pasta, bread, crackers. Recipes like Oat and whole wheat bread, Barley and black bean burgers, Whole grain granola or Overnight oats in a jar are great ways to boost your overall health and benefit the inner workings of your gut.

From What About Wheat.