When it comes to good gut health, not all foods are created equal! While fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains can help keep our gut balanced and healthy, specific animal-based foods have been scientifically proven to promote gut healing.
From bone broths to wild-caught salmon – these 6 powerhouse proteins (and more!) will be the key ingredients in your journey toward a happier belly.
Let’s dive into why these delicious foods should become part of your regular diet for greater overall digestive wellness.
The Science of Gut Health
Get ready to dive deep into the world of gut health, folks! The science behind it all is fascinating. Did you know that our gut is home to trillions of tiny microbes that make up the gut microbiome?
These little guys are responsible for so much more than just digestion. They actually communicate with our brain through what is known as the gut-brain axis. That means that the health of our gut can impact everything from our immune system to our mental health.
In fact, research has even shown that the gut microbiome may play a role in the development of asthma and other lung issues.
But it’s not just the gut microbiome that matters when it comes to gut health. The foods we eat also play a crucial role.
Btw: Want more nerdy details on the science behind gut health, disease, and carnivore diets? Check out this article by Nutrition by Judy.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Studies have shown that certain foods, such as fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kefir, can help nourish our gut microbiota.
On the other hand, a diet high in processed foods and added sugars can have a negative impact on our gut health.
So, if you want to keep your gut happy and healthy, make sure to fuel it with plenty of whole, nutrient-dense animal-based foods. Your gut (and the rest of your body) will thank you!
“Everything we eat either helps or hurts our health”
Why Animal-Based Foods for Gut Healing
Attention all gut lovers! If you want to promote gut healing, animal-based foods are where it’s at!
According to research, a diet high in animal products and low in processed foods, alcohol, and sugar can encourage a gut microbiome that reduces inflammation and promotes overall gut health.
So, let’s dive into the top 6 animal-based foods that will have your gut thanking you.
1. Bone Broth
First on the list, bone broth, a nourishing liquid filled with gut-healing collagen and amino acids. Then there’s grass-fed beef, which is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial amino acids that can help reduce gut inflammation.
2. Organ Meats
Thought it might sound a bit unappetizing, organ meats have gone undercover as nutritional heroes.
In comparison to muscle cuts of meat, organs are often power-packed with more nutrients — meaning your gut health could benefit from the added vitamins and minerals they provide; think B-Vitamins, iron and zinc!
The only exceptions? Tripe (which is essentially intestines) and brains…but who’s counting?
3. Wild Salmon
Go for the salmon! Don’t just tackle that pesky digestive discomfort with meds, because this tasty fish is filled with omega-3 fatty acids.
Not only will eating dishes featuring it help soothe inflammation in your gut to make you feel better, but it could also improve digestion – like a two-for one deal of deliciousness and relief from pain!
4. Fermented Dairy
Fermented dairy products like kefir and yogurt are filled with beneficial probiotics that promote a healthy gut microbiome.
These products contain live bacteria cultures that can help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, which can in turn support digestive function and overall health.
5. Eggs
Eggs aren’t just a tasty breakfast staple; they’re also packed with nutrients to help your digestive health!
Not only are eggs nutrient-rich, but their light texture makes them easy on the stomach – even when you’ve got those nasty acute digestive issues.
So give ’em an eggcellent start and add some deliciousness to your diet today!
6. Butter
Butter is the top dog when it comes to helpful gut health – containing an incredibly beneficial fatty acid called butyrate.
Studies have shown that this little powerhouse improves digestion, soothes the gut and keeps things moving (if you know what I mean!)
Other Foods for Gut Health
Looking to maximize your gut health and overall wellbeing and A-OK with plant foods? Keep an eye out for some surprisingly delicious foods that can help you achieve inner harmony!
Raspberries, artichokes, green peas, broccoli – all of these fibrous favorites are great ‘gut-friendly’ options.
If Inulin is what’s on the menu – try Jerusalem artichokes or chicory root for a tasty treat with prebiotic perks.
Even ginger root adds its own punchy benefits by helping keep things moving smoothly in your digestive system.
So put down those pills and supplements – and grab a fork!
My Favorite Animal-Based Gut-Healing Recipes
Start your day with a serious boost of nourishment by blending together some bone broth, shredded beef or chicken, and sea salt for an amazing breakfast shake. (Trust me, it sounds yuck, but it’s delicious!)
Follow it up during brunch time with organic pasture-raised eggs, pastured bacon, and ghee (or grass-fed butter) topped off with a handful of berries.
Leftover burgers? Make ’em sing again! Smash in some avocado & sprinkle on the sea salt – magic happens every time.
Stir fry hash made from ground beef/bison plus mushrooms cooked down in ghee (or grassed butted) is always delicious AND nutritious; top it all off, with perhaps Kefir or raw yogurt!
The Wrap – Gut Healing with Animal-Based Foods
In the end, it truly is hard to beat nature. Our bodies are designed to thrive on the nutrients found in real, whole animal-based foods, and these six just go to show that they greatly contribute to gut healing.
As a bonus, they all taste delicious and can be cooked in a variety of ways, so you can eat your way back to well-being!
Remember: when it comes to mending and restoring our guts, there’s no need to overcomplicate things with processed fake meat analogs—stick with the classics for the best results.
Cook up some bone broth and steaks for dinner tonight or enjoy some steamed oysters for an energizing snack: before you know it, those pesky gut issues won’t seem so daunting after all!
XO, Jules
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