By: Kay Jackson
Eating super foods such as salmon, blueberries, cinnamon, turmeric, quinoa, yogurt, garlic and broccoli is the best way to keep your digestive health – and overall health, for that matter – in tip-top shape, right?
According to Health Canada, your body needs a variety of foods, dietary fibre and fluids to maintain a healthy bowel and give you energy. (1)
The World Health Organization notes that a diet rich in a variety of healthy foods is equally important for reducing the risk of colon cancer. (2)
The Dietitians of Canada recommends 25-38 grams of fibre a day to prevent constipation and protect against colon cancer. (3) Fibre-rich foods, which also lower blood cholesterol and control blood sugar (glucose) levels, include vegetables, fruit, legumes (peas, beans, lentils) whole grains and cereals.
Foods or supplements that contain probiotics may be useful preventing and treating inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, chronic stomach inflammation and ulcers caused by the H. pylori bacteria, according to the Cleveland Clinic, a U.S. medical centre. Probiotics may also be helpful in the treatment of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, spastic colon, infectious diarrhea, urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections in women. (4)
Finally, the best way to promote digestive and overall health is to plan your meals and snacks using Canada’s Food Guide. (5)
1. Health Canada: Nutrition and Healthy Eating – http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/index-eng.php2
2. World Health Organization: Nutrition and chronic disease risk – http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/trs916/summary/en/
3. Dietitians of Canada – http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-Month/Nutrition-Month-2015/Myths.aspx
4. Canada’s Food Guide – http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php
5. Cleveland Clinic – http://tinyurl.com/mdmu2n6
