Two surprising food combinations that can work wonders for your stomach
Combinations of foods that are good for the stomach have been named (photo: Freepik)
Some combinations of common foods can not only enhance the taste of dishes but also have a positive effect on the health of the gastrointestinal tract. These "healthy duos" support gut microbiota and reduce inflammation, the American gastroenterologist Will Bulsiewicz shares.
How to combine foods
Spinach and citrus fruits
Dr Bulsiewicz presented two healthy food combinations that can work wonders for the stomach and intestines. The first is spinach and citrus fruits.
"Spinach is rich in iron - non-heme iron, which is not as easily absorbed as heme iron. That's why we add citrus fruits," the American gastroenterologist said.
Citrus fruits like lemons contain vitamin C, which helps absorb non-heme iron. This effectively solves the problem of iron deficiency and helps maintain energy levels.
In addition, spinach has a high content of insoluble fiber, which promotes easy bowel movements as food passes through the digestive system.
Lemons also contain pectin – a soluble fiber that can lower blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of sugar and starch.
Garlic and honey
The second recommended combination from Dr Bulsiewicz was garlic and honey. He stated that garlic is rich in allicins – sulfur compounds that are beneficial for gut health. However, allicins break down quickly, making it difficult to fully benefit from garlic consumption.
However, adding honey can help preserve allicin and also offer benefits for the immune system and gut health.
Foods that harm stomach and intestines
Fried foods
They irritate the stomach lining and can cause heartburn, bloating, and heaviness.
Spicy foods
Chili, pepper, and spicy sauces irritate the stomach and intestines. They can exacerbate symptoms of gastritis.
Fast food and processed foods
Such foods contain high amounts of fats, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. They are poorly digested and can cause inflammation.
Sodas
They increase acidity in the stomach and cause bloating and heartburn.
Alcohol, coffee, and strong tea
Alcohol damages the stomach lining and reduces the protective properties of the digestive tract.
Meanwhile, coffee and tea stimulate the production of gastric juices. They can irritate the mucous membrane, especially on an empty stomach.
Read also about the best grain to fight inflammation and high blood sugar.
Earlier we wrote about the number one breakfast to help normalize blood pressure.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
