Our gut is where we break down and absorb food. Therefore, we all want to keep it as healthy as possible. But it is hard to know how to do that, or know when a certain symptom indicates good or bad changes in our gut. Here are 3 common myths we are debunking around gut health.

Myth 1: Prebiotics are a cure-all to gut health.

Prebiotics are incredibly helpful to gut health. They are essentially feeding the “good” bacteria that you need to break down food, make vitamins, and help absorb nutrients. However, nothing is more helpful in maintaining the health of our gut than eating whole foods. Whole foods are minimally processed foods that are usually from plants. Some whole foods have probiotics, or good bacteria, which can increase the colonies the gut. Foods like that inclue kimchi, yogurt with live cultures, and kefir.

Myth 2: Bloating is a direct result of what we eat.

Bloating can result from eating something that does not sit right with you, but this isn’t always the cause. Other contributors include constipation, swallowing air, menstruation cycle, and an imbalance in gut bacteria from antibiotic use or a poor diet.

Myth 3: Spicy foods cause ulcers.

Spicy foods are not good to eat when you have ulcers because they may irritate the ulcers and delay the healing process. But spicy foods themselves are safe to eat if you enjoy them. Ulcers are most commonly caused by the bacteria H. Pylori, which is spread through contaminated food, water, and saliva.

In conclusion, gut health is complex. There are endless factors that contribute to the rise and fall of gut health and gut symptoms. It is important to listen to your body and what makes it feel its best!