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Your gut is home to a major part of your immune system. Regularly consuming highly processed, low-fiber foods may contribute to inflammation and weaken your digestive defenses.
Eating mindfully and prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods can help support your gut health.
Your morning toast or chapati might be influencing your gut health more than you realize. When choosing between foods made from maida (refined flour) and whole wheat, your gut bacteria respond in ways that can impact your digestive well-being.
Dr Ridhima Khamsera, Clinical Dietician shares all you need to know:
Here’s what’s often overlooked: Maida is low in fiber and nutrients because it’s highly refined. Diets high in refined grains are linked to a less diverse gut microbiome and may favor bacteria associated with inflammation. Over time, a low-fiber diet can compromise the gut lining, potentially increasing the risk of intestinal permeability, sometimes called “leaky gut”—though this condition is still debated in scientific circles.
Whole wheat contains more fiber and micronutrients, which generally support a healthier gut microbiome. However, modern wheat varieties are higher in rapidly digestible starches, which can cause quicker blood sugar spikes. Frequent spikes may contribute to low-grade inflammation, which can affect gut health over time.
Processing and preparation methods such as fermentation also play a role. Traditional fermentation (like in sourdough or idli batter) can make grains easier to digest and may reduce compounds that irritate the gut. However, the primary concern remains the type of flour and its fiber content.
Your gut is home to a major part of your immune system. Regularly consuming highly processed, low-fiber foods may contribute to inflammation and weaken your digestive defenses.
The solution isn’t to avoid grains entirely, but to choose less processed, fiber-rich options—ideally whole grains, prepared in ways that support digestion. Eating mindfully and prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods can help support your gut health.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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