As gut health specialists we’re always on the lookout for foods that can help to improve our relationship with our gut.

We’ve tested foods from the bizarre to the everyday and narrowed it down to the top ten foods that’ll keep you healthy on the inside, happy on the outside and on great terms with your gut:

1. Yogurt

As we all know, natural yogurt is naturally rich in probiotics.

However, what we don’t know is that usually yogurts labelled as being ‘low-fat’ are usually the ones that contain added sugar, as well as the flavoured varieties.

As yogurts are full of all that gut loving goodness, we’d recommend picking a full-fat organic ‘live’ or ‘bio’ yogurt as these are naturally unsweetened and contain plenty of fantastic bacteria that will help to improve your overall gut health.

2. Jerusalem artichokes

Abundant with potassium, iron and inulin, Jerusalem artichokes are packed full of good-for-the-gut prebiotics.

They’re easy to add into your diet in the form of soups, roasted and in a Sunday lunch or even snuck into a casserole, plus they’re delicious – winner!

3. Sauerkraut

Originating from the Orient and brought to Europe, Sauerkraut can be dated back to as far back as the Roman Empire.

It’s a cabbage-based dish that has been fermented giving it its signature sour taste that people have come to love.

Popular as a hot-dog topping, Sauerkraut is rich in probiotics and vitamins, such as vitamin A, C and K.

When buying Sauerkraut, avoid the canned version as this is packed in vinegar and is missing the live, active bacteria that we’re after.

Instead, opt for fresh Sauerkraut, usually found in the refrigerated section of your supermarket and reach for the ‘live cultures’ label – your gut will thank you.

4. Miso

Infamous to Asian-inspired chefs, Miso is largely used in soup and in Japan is eaten at the beginning of the day to stimulate digestion and energise the body.

Miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and grains and comes fully loaded with millions of beneficial bacteria, integral for good gut-health.

The probiotics in Miso directly inhabit your gut and promote the growth of healthy live micro-organisms that will help to get rid of the unwanted unhealthy bacteria.

This in turn improves the absorption of minerals and helps you to feel great!

5. Kefir

A cultured dairy product, kefir is a sippable yogurt that contains oodles of live active cultures – at least ten, around three times more than the average yogurt!

Good news for lactose intolerant suffers, it’s 99% lactose-free meaning it’s suitable for Vegan diets too.

6. Garlic

Great for overall gut health, garlic helps to feed the existing good bacteria in your gut, especially when eaten raw.

It’s also great for helping you to get over a cold, so if you’re feeling a little sniffly add a few cloves of garlic to your meal for a quicker recovery.

7. Bananas

A great snack pre- or post- workout, bananas contain high levels of potassium and magnesium which helps to reduce inflammation.

Bananas restore the health of the bacterial community due to the powerhouse of prebiotics packed into them.

8. Raw apple cider vinegar

You might think this is a little out there, and you wouldn’t be wrong.

However, it’s been proven that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 8oz of water can help to curb any post-meal cravings and can act as a natural laxative because of all the probiotics and amino acids within it.

9. Kimchi

Dubbed as one of “the world’s healthiest foods” by health.com, kimchi is one of Korea’s best-known delicacies.

This fermented cabbage (and sometimes radish) dish is made by mixing it with garlic, salt, vinegar, chilli and a few other spices thrown into the mix and can be served as a side dish or even as a main.

Because of the fermentation process, kimchi is loaded with healthy bacteria called lactobacilli, the perfect partner in your quest to fantastic gut health.

10. Kombucha

Last but not least, our favourite fermented drink; kombucha.

Traditionally kombucha is a fermented tea consisting of live yeasts containing a large quantity of naturally occurring good bacteria.
Our Raw of the Wild super kombucha has been packed full of fresh raw ingredients, containing over 60 active yeasts – 30 times the amounts found in pro-biotic yoghurts and more than other kombucha products in the market today.

In fact, why not take a read over our handy little blog all about it here.

Have you got any superfood tips that you use daily? Let us know on our Facebook page!