Cleanse the intestines: the best food for a healthy intestinal flora
A healthy intestinal flora is extremely important. Not only for good and efficient digestion, but also for a strengthened immune system. But how do you get a healthy intestinal flora? There are several ways to cleanse your intestines and improve your flora. One of these ways is to cleanse your intestines with food. In this blog we take a closer look at the importance of a healthy intestinal flora, we tell you more about healthy food for your intestines and we give you a number of useful tips.
The importance of a healthy intestinal flora
Intestinal flora is a collective name for all bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in your intestines. Of all the bacteria and microbiotics that live in your body, 95% live in your gastrointestinal tract. Another 80% of these live in the large intestine. It is actually a kind of own ecosystem that you unconsciously take care of since birth. Your gut flora plays an essential role in breaking down and absorbing nutrients, regulating metabolism and promoting a healthy immune system. But a healthy intestinal flora also ensures that constipation complaints can decrease, your energy level increases and for other positive effects on the condition of your skin and your weight. Do you want to restore the balance in your intestinal flora to experience the positive effects? Then you can cleanse your intestines with food.
The best food for cleansing your intestines
Cleaning your intestines starts with the right nutrition. It is important that you eat varied and the right food. Take a lot of vegetables such as broccoli or artichokes and don't forget your fruit. Whole-grain products are also healthy food for the intestines due to the high fiber content. Fiber acts as food for the good bacteria and helps to aid digestion. Fiber also stimulates bowel movements and can prevent or reduce constipation.
Probiotics are also very important in cleaning and maintaining a healthy intestinal flora. These good bacteria contribute to strengthening your intestines and restoring balance. Yoghurt and kefir are excellent probiotics and therefore healthy food for the intestines. Do you like to eat meat? Then remember that it is fair meat. It is also very important that you chew well. As a result, the healthy food for your intestines is better mixed with saliva, so that the nutrients can be better absorbed.
Tips for a healthy intestinal flora
You can cleanse your intestines with food, but of course there are other ways to improve your intestinal flora. We can't say it often enough; drinking water is very important. To cleanse your intestines, hydrate your entire body and aid digestion. Preferably drink at least 2 liters of water per day for a healthy intestinal flora. Curious about what other ways you can cleanse your intestines? Then read the tips below.
- Avoid stress as much as possible
- Get plenty of exercise, such as walking and yoga
- Avoid processed foods and sugars as much as possible
- Have your belly massaged
- Give your gut a rest with intermittent fasting
- Go for a good one detox (detoxify the body)
Supplements for cleansing your intestines
In addition to healthy food for your intestines, you can also detox supplements use to improve your intestinal flora. Consider, for example, psyllium fibres: fibers originating from seeds of the Plantago Ovata plant. These fibers are known for improving bowel movements and cleansing the intestines. The psyllium husks absorb water, making the stool softer. Another supplement that is often used to cleanse the intestines is magnesium. It has a mild laxative effect, promotes bowel movements and helps relax the muscles in the intestinal wall.
It is important to be wary of detox supplements that claim to thoroughly cleanse your gut in a short period of time. While some may provide temporary relief, it's important to remember that maintaining a healthy gut flora is a long-term process that primarily depends on a healthy diet for your gut and a good lifestyle. Detox supplements are very good to support the process.