One of the most important parts of keeping your gut healthy and your digestion in check is maintaining a healthy diet. In addition to cutting out processed foods, which can take a serious toll on your gut and result in a range of digestive issues, adding the right foods to your diet can do wonders. And many of the best gut-healthy foods around are fruits. While it’s always a good idea to add any sort of fruit to your meals, there are a few in particular that could take your digestive health to the next level.
To discover a few of the best high-fiber, probiotic-rich fruits for your digestion, we spoke to nutritionist Romane Geurot from Foodvisor. She told us that bananas, apples, and strawberries are all superior choices. Learn more about the benefits of each of these fruits below.
1. Bananas
There are so many benefits to eating bananas. According to Geurot, you can add a healthier gut to that list thanks to all of the probiotics and fiber they offer.
"Bananas are packed with probiotics that help your belly work smoothly," she tells us. "They also have a special kind of fiber called resistant starch that keeps you full so you don't tend to overeat." That means that not only will your digestive system benefit from the gut-healthy fiber in this fruit, but it will also help you stay satiated for longer in order to lose weight and avoid eating too many unhealthy processed foods.
2. Apples
When it comes to high-fiber fruit, it doesn't get much better than apples. Geurot says they're especially good for your gut.
"Apples have lots of fiber and natural sugars that feed the good bacteria in your belly," she explains. "This helps your digestion and keeps your appetite in check." In addition to eating an apple on its own, she suggests pairing it with yogurt (we recommend Greek yogurt for the health benefits!) or cottage cheese. Yum!
3. Strawberries
Berries in general are some of the most beneficial fruits for your overall health. They're a fantastic choice for your heart, your brain, and, of course, your digestion. Geurot recommends strawberries in particular.
"[Strawberries] are full of probiotics and fiber that make your gut feel like a million bucks," she raves. "They also have antioxidants that fight inflammation, making it easier for your body to shed those extra pounds. Having strawberries as a desert can be a sweet way to support your gut and weight loss goals." Perfect!
The bottom line
If you struggle with your digestive health, the best way to get to the bottom of things is to speak directly to your doctor about your specific needs. Every body and gut is different, after all. However, one of the best steps to take is to switch up your diet. When you choose fruits like these, you could be taking a great step towards a healthier gut.
READ MORE: The 3 Worst Foods You Should Cut Out If You’re Suffering From Digestive Issues
