What You Need To Know About Your Gut And Immune Health
By Aisha Patrick, Student at UH Manoa
WYAO Hawaii collaborates with the community through one of UH Manoa’s Nutrition classes, Community Nutrition and Nutrition Education, instructed by Jinan Banna, PhD, RD, CDN to help students translate nutrition science into terms the general public can understand using blogging as their tool.
Your Gut! Specific organisms living naturally within the intestine and gut barrier of your body are important for your GUT HEALTH! Within your gut, there are 100 trillion, small, live organisms called microorganisms that help with normal gut function. These microorganisms make up more than 70% of the immune system. This is important because your gut is a part of your body’s defense from invaders such as bad bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms that can cause disease! Your gut protects the body from infection/disease and helps control metabolism and the immune system within your intestines. Taking care of your gut will help take care of your health. Here are some tips to help you boost your gut health! Boost My Gut Health, Help My Immune System
Balance Your Diet!Eat a variety of FIBROUS foods containing prebiotics. Prebiotics help to feed and nourish the good bacteria within your gut. FIBROUS foods: Chickpeas, Lentils, Chicory Root, Bananas, Asparagus, Onions, Leeks, Soybeans, and more.
Do Not Forget Probiotics!Probiotics are healthy living microorganisms that can be found naturally in foods to help the good bacteria in your gut. PROBIOTIC foods: (Fermented Foods) Kombucha, Kefir, Tempeh, Miso, Kimchi, Yogurt, aged cheeses, Sauerkraut, Sourdough Bread and more
Reduce High-Fat Foods! The gut has a harder time with high fatty food, high sugary foods, and red meats. Examples: Fried Pork Chops, Potato Chips, Cookies, and Chocolates.
Get Moving Regularly! Moving may help your gut and overall health! Daily activity such as housework, yardwork, walking, jogging, and biking are all examples of activities you can add to your day to day routine.
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