When you’re struggling to remember, have a headache, or are feeling anxious or down, it’s unlikely you’d think of your gut. It’s not like you have a stomach ache or case of indigestion.
But a healthy gut goes a lot further than digestion and what you’re feeling in its general vicinity. The health of your stomach has the potential to influence memory, mood, inflammation, and more. And the only way to ensure its health is making sure the bacteria that live in it are well fed.
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The quality of your microbiome—the bacteria that reside in your gut and body—is determined primarily by what it’s fed. Processed foods and little fiber and you’ll have an unhealthy population that may lead to brain fog, inflammation, and a bad mood. But feed it plenty of fiber and pre- and probiotics and it will likely thrive. You’ll feel it in more ways than one.
High-fiber foods, some of which are classified as prebiotics, feed and stimulate the good bacteria in your gut, while probiotics introduce healthy bacteria into your gut. Here is a list of these foods, and some in between, that can promote gut health and potentially enhance memory, mood, and more.
- Asparagus: Asparagus is loaded with a type of fiber called inulin, which is a powerful prebiotic. It is undigested, making its way to your colon to feed good bacteria and limit the bad.
- Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory compound and natural digestive enzyme. It can promote gut health by improving nutrient absorption. Be careful, though; some people have negative reactions, like stomach aches, from bromelain.
- Anything with fiber: Whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruit, and vegetables all play a big role in encouraging a healthy gut.
- Yogurt: Yogurt and kefir (yogurt’s watery cousin) both contain healthy living bacteria, called probiotics, that can boost gut health. Once they are eaten, eat prebiotic foods to feed them!
Try to boost memory by building a stronger gut. The connection might be a little hard to comprehend, but it certainly exists!
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
