It’s almost assumed that foods that are already considered bad for you can negatively affect your healthy gut bacteria. If you’re eating a lot of foods that are fried, overly processed or contain artificial ingredients, try reducing the amount you consume to help maintain a healthier gut. Ugarte notes several foods found in even the so-called “healthy” section of the store can actually be causing you pain and discomfort.

1. Red Meat

Red meat can encourage the growth of harmful gut bacteria. According to Gillespie, this particular bacteria can cause clogged arteries over the long term. So if you’re eating a lot of red meat and suffering from digestive issues, try swapping in leaner meats or plant-based protein sources.

2. Food Gums (aka Emulsifiers)

It’s common to find food gums such as guar, xanthan, soy lecithin, and locust bean listed on the ingredients in your food (even healthy, plant-based ones). These naturally derived complex carbs may sound scary, but they’re usually harmless. However, certain studies among people with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and colitis have found foods with these additives may be harmful to your gut health.1

3. Alcohol

A glass of wine or one drink per day is fine, but alcohol is notorious for inflammation if you overdo it. By drinking too much alcohol, you might end up developing a leaky gut, which could cause bacteria to escape your GI tract and into your blood.

4. Peanuts

Peanuts are actually a good source of nutrients such as protein, magnesium and fiber. But if you eat a lot of peanuts, the high amount of fiber might actually cause digestive issues. Sure, fiber is good for your diet, but getting too much all at once isn’t a good idea when it comes to your stomach. While you could have this same issue with any food high in fiber, peanuts also contain phytic acid, which binds minerals such as iron and calcium in your digestive tract. This makes the minerals less available for your body to use properly and may cause gas or bloating.

Everyone’s body works differently. “Just because you experience gut issues doesn’t mean you have to eat bland for the rest of your life,” Ugarte says. If you are experiencing digestion issues, try reducing your intake of some of the bad foods and gradually add more of the good foods for gut health to really figure out what works for you. And since your gut is home to your immune system, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping some immune-boosting foods in your meals as well.

Source: https://www.bhg.com