Dietitian and champion of healthy eating Ximena Foster has long pushed the Mediterranean diet as a great approach to support intestinal health. Inspired by the ancient eating customs of people living near the Mediterranean Sea, this diet is high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and good fats.
The Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on complete, unadulterated foods makes it so successful for intestinal health. These naturally high in fibre, antioxidants, and good fats meals feed the digestive tract and support a good microbiota. Ximena frequently talks about how including more plant-based foods into your diet can greatly affect your stomach.
Olive oil, high in heart-healthy fats, is one of Ximena’s Mediterranean diet favourites. Powerful antioxidants included in olive oil’s polyphenols aid in digestion and help lower intestinal inflammation. Whether you’re cooking or spreading olive oil over salads, using it as your main fat source can help to support gut health in a straightforward yet powerful manner.
Another pillar of the Mediterranean diet are fish, particularly lean fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids abound in these fish; they have anti-inflammatory effects and can help calm a gut that is upset. Not only are lentils, beans, and chickpeas fantastic sources of protein, but they also abound in fibre, which makes them ideal for digestive health on the Mediterranean diet.
Ximena exhorts people to view the Mediterranean diet as a way of life rather than a regimented diet. All of it comes down to balance, fun, and fuelling your body with foods that naturally support digestive health. Emphasising fresh, natural foods, it’s a terrific approach to keep your gut happy and your body feeling great.
