Having a strong and healthy gut is essential to your body’s overall wellbeing. It’s crucial to understand that what you eat can greatly affect the state of your gut, so it helps to choose food with more nutritional value and follow a well-balanced diet. If you’re planning your meals for the rest of the week and are curious to know what options you should consider to restore gut health and get rid of inflammation, we’ve got you covered.
According to registered dietitian and nutritionist Carrie Gabriel, MS, RDN, of Steps 2 Nutrition, “Slow cooking food at lower temperatures not only helps preserve nutrients but it can break down food and make it easier to digest, which is great for anyone who has digestive issues.” Below, Gabriel shares a few gut-friendly ingredients you can add to your slow cooker recipes the next time you’re in the kitchen. Keep reading for more.
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Ground turkey
Gabriel notes, "A ground turkey, beef, or chicken chili can be very beneficial for gut health when made with bone broth. Using turmeric, ground black pepper, and cayenne in a slow cooker chili dish can aid in reducing inflammation as well."
Quinoa
"Cooking quinoa in a slow cooker can aid in gut health as it is a gut-friendly seed," Gabriel tells us. "Cook it along with green beans and carrots in a vegetable broth and get added antioxidants in this vegetarian-friendly style dish."
Yogurt
Additionally, she says, "Yogurt naturally contains lots of probiotic cultures that strengthen the digestive tract and help to maintain the good bacteria in your gut. Add berries for fiber and antioxidants!"
Oatmeal
Gabriel also mentions, "There are studies that show diets rich in whole grains increase beneficial bacteria in the gut. Oatmeal is a prebiotic that feeds your gut bacteria. Try raw oats cooked with a little honey and some banana to give your gut some necessary love." Click here for some overnight oats recipes Carrie Gabriel recommends.
Artichoke
"You can cook artichokes in a slow cooker with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic and vegetable broth," she concludes. "Artichokes are high in fiber and feed gut bacteria, reducing your risk of certain bowel cancers and alleviating constipation, among other things."
