The Whole30 is an excellent way to help heal your gut since the foundation of the program is pure whole foods. In addition, there are several gut healing foods and supplements known for their ability to improve digestive health that you may wish to consider.
Adding these foods and supplements is completely optional and is NOT required as part of the Whole30 Program. My intention in sharing these recommendations is for the benefit of those of us who are specifically striving to improve our gut health, as well as reduce inflammation and autoimmunity.
Top Real Foods for Gut Health
1. Bone Broth contains collagen and amino acids that are known to help heal the gut. It’s truly one of the most important gut healing foods you can include in your diet. Most experts recommend consuming at least 6-8 ounces of bone broth daily. Simply warm it and drink the broth as you would tea, or incorporate it into recipes such as soups, stews and casseroles. Slow Cooker Bone Broth is an easy method for getting a daily dose of this nutritious gut-healing real food.
2. Cultured/Fermented Foods are another key food group to include for gut health. Cultured foods such as coconut milk yogurt or kefir contain probiotics that can help heal the gut by helping to build healthy gut flora. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi and kombucha contain organic acids that balance intestinal pH, as well as probiotics that help support the gut.
3. Unprocessed, unsweetened coconut products such as extra virgin coconut oil, pure coconut milk and coconut butter are also known for their gut healing benefits. The MCFA’s in coconut are easier to digest than other fats, which makes them a better choice for those with digestive issues.
Top Supplements for Gut Health
1. Probiotics are the most important supplements to take for anyone who wants to improve gut health. Of course, you want to be sure you’re eating probiotic rich foods, but experts also recommend taking a high quality probiotic supplement as well. I personally recommend Bio-Kult.
2. Digestive enzymes help to break down the proteins, complex sugars and starches in the food we eat so our bodies can more easily absorb nutrients, which leads to improved nutrition. I personally recommend Standard Process Multizyme.
3. Cod liver oil contains important nutrients like vitamins A and D, as well as the essential fatty acids EPA/DHA, which help to reduce inflammation and contribute to improved gut health. One of the brands my family enjoys is Carlson’s
4. Pure therapeutic grade essential oils such as ginger and peppermint help to soothe digestive distress and support a healthy gut and inflammatory response. My family and I have experienced so many health benefits from using essential oils! If you’d like to learn more about what I personally use and recommend, be sure to join my monthly Essential Oils Newsletter where I’ll share how to use pure therapeutic grade essential oils safely to transform your health and your family’s.
Again, these gut healing foods and supplements are NOT required as part of the Whole30 Program. However, for those of us who are striving to improve our gut health, incorporating these highly beneficial options as part of a healthy whole food lifestyle may help us to better attain improved health and wellness.
May God bless you in your healing journey!
