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"Doctor, I'm sick again, what should I eat?"
"Don't worry, tell me what you usually eat."
"I love apples the most, and I've heard they're good for the stomach."
"Oh? Apple is good, but ......"
When I heard the doctor's words, I couldn't help but prick up my ears. Could it be that the "magic fruit" apple that I always thought was not the best choice for intestinal health?
My name is Xiao Li, I am a busy white-collar worker, and my long-term work pressure and irregular eating habits make my stomach always awkward. No, it's autumn again, and my gastrointestinal problems are starting to mess around again.
The doctor looked at my examination report and frowned slightly: "Xiao Li, your intestinal flora imbalance is very serious." While apples do have benefits, when it comes to foods that really make the gut 'preferred', I have a few better suggestions. "
He took out a piece of paper and wrote the names of the eight foods on it. I was curious to take a closer look, and some of these foods I used to eat and some of which I had never heard of.
"Remember that these 8 foods are the real gut 'darlings'. Especially in autumn, eating more of these can be a great benefit to your gut health. The doctor explained to me in detail as he spoke.
The first type of food is okra. "Okra is rich in dietary fiber and mucus protein, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and nourish the intestinal mucosa," the doctor said. You can eat it cold or make okra soup. "
Hearing this, I couldn't help but think of the okra soup that my grandmother used to cook when I was a child, which was smooth and delicious, and it turned out that there were such benefits. The doctor adds: "The mucus protein in okra forms a protective film that reduces intestinal irritation from stomach acid. It also contains antioxidants that protect intestinal cells from free radical damage. "
The second type is pumpkin. "Pumpkin is rich in β-carotene and vitamin A, which can repair the intestinal mucosa and enhance intestinal immunity." The doctor said, "Autumn is the season for pumpkins, you can eat them steamed, or you can make pumpkin porridge." "
I nodded, thinking that I would go buy some pumpkins in the evening and come back. The doctor went on to explain: "The pectin in pumpkin also promotes intestinal peristalsis and helps to flush out toxins from the body. And pumpkin seeds are also very nutritious, rich in zinc and plant sterols, which are good for prostate health. "
Then the doctor mentioned sweet potatoes. "Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, which can promote the balance of intestinal flora." He said with a smile, "And sweet potatoes have a sweet and glutinous taste, and many people like to eat them." "
I think of the sweet potato fields in the countryside when I was a child, and I suddenly evoke a trace of nostalgia. "The dietary fiber in sweet potatoes can be fermented by probiotics in the gut to produce short-chain fatty acids, which are important for maintaining gut health," the doctor added. And sweet potatoes also contain a lot of vitamin C and potassium, which are also good for cardiovascular health. "
The fourth food is chicory. "Chicory contains inulin, which is a favorite of probiotics." "It promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut and inhibits the growth of bad bacteria." "
I was a little confused: "Chicory? I don't think I've heard of it. "
The doctor laughed, "Chicory is actually very common, you may have eaten it in a salad." Its leaves have a slightly bitter taste but are good for the intestines. The inulin in chicory is a water-soluble dietary fiber that can be fermented by probiotics in the gut to produce short-chain fatty acids. Not only does this promote gut health, but it also improves insulin sensitivity, which helps with blood sugar control. "
The fifth food is bitter gourd. "Although bitter melon has a slightly bitter taste, it contains quinine that can kill harmful bacteria in the intestines, and can also promote bile secretion and help digestion." The doctor said, "You can fry it and eat it, or you can make bitter gourd juice." "
I remembered the bitter gourd that my mother forced me to eat when I was a child, but I didn't expect it to be so beneficial. The doctor added: "The bitter melon in bitter melon has a hypoglycemic effect and is very helpful for diabetics. Moreover, bitter gourd is also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can enhance immunity and prevent colds. "
The sixth is yam. "Yam contains mucus protein and a variety of vitamins, which can nourish the intestinal mucosa and enhance intestinal immunity." The doctor said, "You can make a soup or make a yam cake." "
I remember my grandmother used to say that yam nourishes qi and nourishes blood, and it turns out that it is so good for the intestines. The doctor further explained: "The diosgenin in yam has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa and can prevent gastric ulcers. Moreover, yam also contains minerals such as iron and calcium, which is very helpful for patients with anemia. "
The seventh type is fungus. "Fungus is rich in dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and help detoxification." The doctor said, "And the fungus also has the effect of beautifying and nourishing the skin." "
I couldn't help but laugh, thinking to myself that this was a win-win-win situation. The doctor added: "The polysaccharides in fungus have anticoagulant effects and can prevent thrombosis. Moreover, fungus also contains iron and vitamin K, which are helpful in preventing iron deficiency anemia and osteoporosis. "
The last type is kelp. "Kelp is rich in iodine and algae polysaccharides, which regulate the intestinal flora and also promote metabolism." The doctor said, "You can make kelp soup or eat it cold." "
The doctor added: "The alginate in kelp also has the effect of lowering blood lipids and blood pressure. And kelp is rich in calcium, which is very helpful for preventing osteoporosis. However, patients with hyperthyroidism should eat in moderation and not in excess. "
After listening to the doctor's explanation, it dawned on me. It turns out that these usually inconspicuous foods turned out to be the favorite of the intestines. I asked curiously, "Doctor, why didn't Apple make the list?" "
The doctor smiled and explained: "Apples are really beneficial, they contain pectin, which can promote intestinal peristalsis. However, compared with these 8 foods, apples still have a worse 'preference' for the intestines. Moreover, these 8 foods are more suitable for autumn consumption and can better regulate the intestines. "
The doctor continued, "Although apples are highly nutritious, they don't have as much dietary fiber as okra and sweet potatoes. Moreover, apples are high in fructose, which may cause discomfort for some people with sensitive stomachs. In contrast, these 8 foods are not only rich in dietary fiber, but also have their own unique nutritional value, which is more suitable for regulating the intestines in autumn. "
I nodded thoughtfully, already thinking about going to the supermarket in the evening to buy these foods.
Before leaving, the doctor also told me: "Xiao Li, in addition to eating more of these foods, you should also pay attention to your work and rest routine, stay up less late, and exercise more." Gut health doesn't happen overnight, it needs to be done over the long term. "
The doctor adds: "Know that gut health is closely related to our overall health. The gut is not only where nutrients are digested and absorbed, but it is also our body's largest immune organ. A healthy gut flora can boost immunity, improve mood, and may even reduce the risk of certain diseases. Therefore, taking care of the gut is taking care of the health of the whole body. "
As I walked out of the office, I felt like I had been given a new lease of life. It turns out that taking care of your gut is such a simple and wonderful thing. I decided to make these 8 foods a regular on my table from today onwards.
Back home, I couldn't wait to start my "gut care program". I bought each of the 8 foods recommended by my doctor and started experimenting with new cooking methods.
After the pumpkin is steamed, I add some honey to make a sweet and delicious pumpkin paste. I chose the simplest roasting method for sweet potatoes, the skin is slightly charred, the inside is soft and glutinous, and the aroma is overflowing. I tried to make a salad with chicory, which was bittersweet and sweet.
After I pickled the bitter gourd according to the method on the Internet, the bitterness was reduced a lot, but there was a hint of fragrance. I made a healthy porridge with a soft taste and a mellow taste. I chose the fungus cold salad, adding some vinegar and minced garlic, which is refreshing and appetizing. I made a soup with some tofu and it was delicious.
In this way, my table became colorful and every meal was full of anticipation. I also made a point of looking up some nutrition literature to find out how to best combine these foods. For example, pumpkin and yam can be used to supplement a variety of vitamins and minerals; Eating fungus and kelp together can increase dietary fiber intake; The combination of sweet potato and chicory provides a variety of nutrients for the intestinal flora.
Slowly, I found that my gastrointestinal problems began to improve and I no longer felt sick as often. What surprised me even more was that my complexion has improved and my skin has become smoother and more refined. I also have more energy than before, and my work efficiency has improved significantly.
A month later, I went to the hospital again for a follow-up. The doctor looked at my examination report and smiled with satisfaction: "Xiao Li, you are doing a good job!" Your gut flora has improved significantly. "
I happily said, "Thanks to your advice, doctor." Now I eat these 8 foods every day, and I feel a lot more relaxed. "
The doctor nodded: "Remember, taking care of your gut is a lifelong thing. You have to stick with it and don't give up halfway. "
The doctor added: "The latest research shows that the balance of gut microbiota has a greater impact on our health than we thought. Not only does it affect our digestive system, but it can also affect our immune system, cardiovascular system, and even brain function. Therefore, maintaining a good diet and taking care of intestinal health can help prevent various diseases. "
I nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, doctor." It's become an integral part of my life. "
When I walked out of the hospital, the autumn sun was warmly sprinkled on my body. I took a deep breath and felt the lightness and pleasure of my body. I know that this is not just an improvement in gut health, but also an improvement in the overall quality of life.
Since then, I've started to pay more attention to my diet and lifestyle. Instead of blindly following the various "healthy foods" on the Internet, I have learned to listen to my body and choose foods that are truly suitable for me.
I also started researching the other benefits of these 8 foods. For example, I learned that okra is not only good for the intestines, but also has a hypoglycemic effect; Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which is beneficial for men's health; Sweet potatoes are rich in β-carotene, which is good for eye health; Chicory can help with hangover; Bitter gourd has the effect of whitening and freckle removal; Yam can strengthen the spleen and stomach; Fungus has the effect of beautifying and nourishing the skin; Kelp is rich in iodine, which may prevent thyroid disease.
I also started to share these experiences with my friends. I am genuinely happy to see that they have also benefited from these suggestions. I realized that health is not only a personal thing, but also a positive energy that can influence the people around me.
I started sharing my healthy eating tips on social media, and I didn't expect it to resonate with many people. Many people say they have similar gastrointestinal problems, but they don't know how to improve them. My experience has given them hope and direction.
I've also tried to incorporate these 8 foods into more ways of cooking. I made pumpkin pie, sweet potato puree, chicory salad, stewed pork ribs with bitter melon, yam white fungus soup, stir-fried pork with fungus, kelp pork rib soup, and more. Every new attempt excites and fulfills me.
Now, whenever I see these 8 foods on the table, I think of the autumn that changed my life and the doctor's teachings. I know that my gut is silently thanking me, and I'm thanking it for its hard work over the years.
I've also started to keep an eye on some of the latest nutrition research. I learned that scientists are delving into the relationship between the gut microbiota and various diseases. For example, studies have shown that an imbalance in the gut microbiota may be linked to mental illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even depression. This has strengthened my determination to maintain my gut health.
This fall, I invite you to try these 8 foods as well. Let's take care of our gut together and start a healthy and beautiful life journey! Remember, a healthy gut doesn't just mean good digestion, it can be the cornerstone of our overall health. With a sensible diet and lifestyle, we can build a solid foundation for our health and a better tomorrow.
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(The story in the article is purely fictional, if there is any similarity is purely coincidental, if the body is not well, seek medical help in time)