The Best Foods for Gut Health: A Post-Christmas Reset
One of the best things about Christmas has to be the food. From tables spread with festive favourites to Christmas stockings filled with treats, the mouth-watering array comes in all shapes and sizes. Afterall, who hasn’t started a Christmas Day with a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate or three, before tucking into an enormous roast?
That said, while celebrating with food is part of the fun, it’s also possible to feel a little… over-indulged. Sluggishness and bloat can kick in and after that extra slice of Christmas pudding, we can all start to yearn for a fresh foodie start. A post-Christmas re-set. This is especially true when it comes to gut health. Following a glut of rich or indulgent foods, it’s easy to throw off the balance of our digestive systems, which in turn affects how we feel in general. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to reset and rejuvenate the gut with food that focuses on nourishing, balancing and restoring. Cheers to that!
Why Gut Health Matters
If, after Christmas, the sight of another mince pie is enough to put you off for another year, it might be time for a post-Christmas reset for your gut. The gift that keeps on giving, gut health plays a really important role in our overall well-being and taking the time to nourish it has both short and long-term benefits for the body and mind. From digestion to immune function and even mood regulation, a healthy gut is key to feeling fit and fresh. And, while heavy meals, sugary treats, and alcohol are all wonderful in moderation, they can play havoc with your digestive system. To get back on track, incorporating some of the best foods for gut health into your post-Christmas routine can help restore balance, support your digestive system, and give you the energy to begin the year ahead.
Fermented Foods for Healthy Gut Flora
Fermented foods are some of the best foods for gut health. Containing a high content of good bacteria known as probiotics, they support the healthy balance of the gut’s delicate microbiome. Important for overall health and wellbeing, these foods can help improve digestion, reduce bloating, and boost the immune system too. Some great examples include:
- Sauerkraut: Made from shredded cabbage and salt, sauerkraut is rich in fibre and probiotics and helps to support a healthy gut microbiome, as well as bone and heart health.
- Kefir: A fermented dairy drink, kefir is packed with probiotics, nutrients (such as vitamins B1, B2, B5, and C), calcium, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish is not only delicious, but it also contains vitamin A, B and C, minerals, fibre, and amino acids, all promoting healthy immunity and digestion.
Prebiotic Foods to Nourish Your Gut
While probiotics introduce good bacteria into the digestive system, prebiotics provide the food that these bacteria need to thrive. Just some of the benefits of prebiotics include improved digestion, a healthier bowel, good bone health, blood sugar regulation, reduced inflammation and improved mood. When looking for the best foods for gut health, try things that are going to keep your gut microbiome healthy and balanced, such as:
- Bananas: Bananas are packed with prebiotics enabling good bacteria to flourish in the gut. They also contain fibre, vitamins, manganese, potassium and are great for slow-release energy.
- Garlic and Onions: These two delicious foods are easy additions to many savoury dishes. Onions in particular are known to contain inulin, a type of prebiotic fibre that feeds good bacteria and promotes digestion, while garlic stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms and has antibacterial properties.
- Asparagus: A fantastic source of prebiotics, asparagus is also rich in vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and dietary fibre, all of which promote excellent overall gut health.
Fibre-Rich Vegetables for Digestive Health
If you’re a fan of hearty heaps of vegetables with a traditional Christmas Day roast, then you’re already providing your body with much-needed nutrients and fibre. For the best foods for gut health for a post-Christmas reset, keep loading your plates with high-fibre foods to maintain a healthy gut. As well as keeping things moving, fibre also helps to reduce uncomfortable bloat. Some high-fibre veggies include:
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with feel-good nutrients and are high in fibre and antioxidants – perfect for happy guts.
- Carrots: There’s no secret why carrots are such a hit with reindeers. A great source of fibre, carrots help with digestion and provide a steady source of energy for pulling sleighs through the air (just kidding). They also help to improve vision and skin health!
- Sweet Potatoes: Loaded with fibre and complex carbohydrates, sweet potatoes are a superb gut-friendly food, supporting digestion and providing lasting energy. They also help to stabilise blood sugar and keep your heart healthy.
Healthy Fats to Support Gut Health
Fats aren’t always bad. In fact, good fats are not only necessary for overall health, but also play a vital role in maintaining a happy, healthy gut. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially recognised for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe an overworked digestive system. Find healthy fats in foods including:
- Avocados: Rich in fibre and heart-healthy fats, avocados promote healthy digestion and can be used in a wide variety of dishes making them easily one of the best foods for gut health.
- Olive Oil: A key component of the glowing Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in anti-inflammatory fats that support gut health and adds a delicious drizzle to meals.
Culinary Inspiration at Glass House Retreat
At Glass House Retreat, we believe in the importance of nourishing the body and mind. At the heart of our approach to wellness, our seasonal, vegan menus are include some of the best foods for gut health, starring locally sourced produce and nutrient-rich ingredients for digestive wellness.
If you're looking to start the new year on the right foot, enjoy our range of luxury spa experiences and delicious dining options. With a beautiful backdrop and the highest quality facilities and service, you can start your post-Christmas in style this year.