Low carb and gut health

Why is our gut health so important?

Low carb dieting and gut health are linked in many ways - not least, the high fibre content found in products like Heylo's bread range. Read more about it below

When researching tips and tricks to get your body to optimal health, you may have come across the phrase ‘good gut health’. Gut health is something that is typically missed when it comes to considering how best to look after your body. However, what a lot of people may not be aware of is the fact that our gut health plays a huge part in our overall health and wellbeing.

Our gut breaks down the food we consume to a simple form that travels through the bloodstream to deliver nutrients throughout our body. This means that whatever we put into our body ends up in our bloodstream, hence the need to eat nutritious food that provides our body with the nutrients we need to reach optimal health.

High sugar foods/refined carbohydrates - why to avoid them.

High sugar food and drink snacks and meals contain refined carbohydrates which our gut works hard to break down quickly. This causes spikes in our blood sugar. These spikes can lead to fatigue, headaches and if occurring regularly, can lead to long term, more serious illnesses.

In addition to cutting down on sugary foods, it is recommended that the fats you consume are clean ones such as olive oil, coconut oil, mct oil, avocado oil and even nut oils.

One of the most effective ways to either repair your gut, or ensure it remains in tip top condition, is to eat as clean as possible which means as well as limiting sugary foods, also cutting back on processed foods too. Giving your gut, and body, a detox comes with loads of great benefits for your body and mind.

Our gut communicates with our brain through nerves and hormones and requires healthy bacteria and immune cells to fight off any illnesses and infections. Without a healthy gut, we run the risk of becoming unwell so looking after your gut should always be a top priority.

Low carb white bread UK

Best foods for your gut health

Foods that promote gut health are typically rich in fibre and probiotics. Here are some of the best options:

1. Fibre-rich foods: High-fibre foods support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Include whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa), legumes (lentils, beans), and a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Of course, when talking about high-fibre foods, we have to give a mention to our own range of delicious, high fibre and low-carb breads and cereals. 

2. Yogurt: Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt with live and active cultures. It’s a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria for your gut.

3. Kefir: This fermented dairy product is similar to yogurt and contains various probiotic strains.

4. Sauerkraut: Fermented foods like sauerkraut are rich in probiotics and can contribute to a diverse gut microbiome.

5. Kimchi: A Korean staple, kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish that provides probiotics and a spicy kick.

6. Miso: Miso soup is made from fermented soybeans and provides probiotics, along with being a flavourful addition to your diet.

7. Tempeh: A fermented soybean product, tempeh is rich in probiotics and plant-based protein.

8. Prebiotic foods: These are foods that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. They include garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and bananas.

9. Bone broth: It contains amino acids like glutamine and collagen, which can support gut health.

10. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are good sources of fibre and healthy fats that can benefit your gut.

11. Fruits with skin: Apples, pears, and berries with their skins intact provide both fibre and nutrients for your gut.

12. Ginger and turmeric: These spices have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for gut health.

Remember to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of these foods to support a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalised advice.

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