What causes Leaky Gut Syndrome? What are symptoms and treatments for leaky gut ? How can I heal my leaky gut? More information at Ask Dr Nandi

By Jill Levy While the term “superfoods” means different things to different people, it generally describes nutrient-rich foods and ingredients that are considered to be especially supportive of overall health, healthy immune system function and even mental well-being. Whether we’re talking about certain herbs, berries, leafy greens, fermented foods or bone broth — superfoods for gut health are beneficial because they help to support an overall healthy gut lining and a healthy balance of microbes in the gut. Many are also brimming with compounds such as antioxidants, amino acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that we must acquire from our diets. At Ancient Nutrition, we believe in the power of superfoods for gut health because we’ve seen firsthand how an “ancestral” type of diet can help to promote healthy digestion, a healthy immune system and much more. In fact, our mission is to help people with their health goals, and also to give back to the planet, with the help of various superfoods including probiotics and mushrooms. One way we do this is via regenerative agriculture, in which we often grow our own functional foods that are used to create health-promoting supplements, while at the same time supporting the environment. 1. Probiotic/Fermented Foods Fermented foods, which contain healthy bacteria and other microbes, have long been a part of traditional diets around the world. Examples of such superfoods include yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut, which have been consumed for thousands of years and originated in locations spanning the planet such as Korea and Eastern Europe. The reason that probiotic foods are superfoods for gut health is because of how they boost the presence of good bacteria in your gut to promote healthy digestion and immune system function. To consume more probiotics from your diet, try adding yogurt or kefir to your smoothies, or sauerkraut to sandwiches and salads. Another way to boost your probiotic intake is to supplement with soil-based organism (SBO) probiotics that can be taken in capsule form with water each morning. These hardy probiotics are the same types naturally found in the dirt and on fruits and veggies; they help promote healthy bowel function and help maintain healthy gut microflora. Plus, they’re useful for reducing occasional constipation, gas and bloating. 2. Bone Broth Bone broth (BB) is made by simmering the bones and connective tissue of animals such as cattle, fish or chicken with herbs and vegetables. This creates a nutrient-filled stock that is full of collagen, amino acids and important minerals. What makes bone broth a superfood for digestion? The amino acids (the building blocks of protein) found within BB help maintain the structure and function of many different body parts, including the lining of your organs and gastrointestinal tract. A strong and healthy gut lining translates to overall healthy gut function, nutrient absorption and even support for a healthy immune system (since the majority of your immune system is located inside your gut). Bone Broth Protein powder is a convenient, versatile and easy way to reap the benefits of traditionally made BB in a fraction of the time. Our BBP formulas, which come in both sweet and savory flavors, contain 19 amino acids to help promote a healthy gut lining integrity and are formulated from non-GMO, pasture-raised and grass-fed, raised without hormones, cage-free and cruelty-free. 3. Organic SuperGreens Powder Leafy greens and herbs are some of the best sources of antioxidants and vitamins like vitamins C, K and A, as well as folate, magnesium and calcium. We know that it’s important to eat greens to help provide us with compounds that promote healthy aging, plus they can help supply us with antioxidants that promote the health of the lining of the digestive tract, support healthy kidney and liver function and provide fiber that “feeds” probiotics in the gut. Because eating lots of fresh greens daily isn’t always easy, a powdered green supplement can come in handy. Within Ancient Nutrition’s Organic SuperGreens powder, you’ll find superfoods for overall health like wheatgrass, spirulina, beatroot, oat grass and more as well as probiotics for gut health. These ingredients offer iron, calcium, chlorophyll, fiber and even some fatty acids that contribute to overall healthy connective tissue and a healthy gut lining. 4. Collagen Powder Collagen is a type of protein that is naturally found in bone broth, as well as in collagen powder supplements which provide a more concentrated amount of beneficial amino acids like glycine, proline and arginine. Collagen aids in a healthy gut by promoting a healthy gut lining and by promoting healthy connective tissue, plus it can help support nutrient absorption. It may also help with the absorption of water within the intestines, keeping things moving more freely out of the body to assist in elimination. Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Protein is created from four real food sources: beef, chicken, fish and eggshell membrane. It contains multiple types of collagen to provide bodywide benefits, plus it’s sustainably sourced and free of added sugar, fillers or other additives. 5. Flaxseeds Flaxseed is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that can help promote a healthy response to inflammation. Flax, in addition to other seeds like chia and hemp, are also a great source of fiber, which is needed to promote normal elimination and bowel movements and reduce occasional constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, flax and many other seeds feature nutrients like thiamine, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese, plus contain a hearty helping of plant-based protein. You can reap the benefits of flaxseed by adding some to homemade baked goods, oatmeal, granola or smoothies. 6. Coconuts Coconut flakes and coconut oil are both high in medium-chain triglycerides, which are beneficial fatty acids that are typically easy to digest and can support gut health. Coconut oil contains certain antioxidant properties and provides an easy source of fat and energy for the body to absorb and utilize. Coconut flakes/meat/flour on the other hand is high in fiber, which assists in digestion and elimination. Be sure to use extra virgin coconut oil that has not been refined when cooking and baking. Try coconut flakes or flour in healthy homemade baked goods, granola, or as a coating for meat and fish. 7. Ginger Ginger is an herb that’s native to Southeast Asia that has been revered in traditional herbalism for thousands of years, especially when it comes to supporting healthy digestion. Ginger contains a specific compound called gingerol, which is thought to be responsible for its multitude of health benefits, such as helping to soothe the stomach and bolster the appetite. It also contains many antioxidants that can help promote a healthy inflammation response and support healthy immune system function. Ginger can be used fresh or dried, whether you’re cooking it or having it raw. Try adding some to smoothies, salad dressings, sauces, sautees and stir-fries, or making ginger herbal tea. Other than those mentioned above, other superfoods for digestion and gut health include: Foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, mango, kiwi and bell peppers Salmon and other fatty fish Healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and avocado Turmeric, cinnamon, basil and other herbs and spices As always, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to starting any new dietary or lifestyle regimen, including supplementation. Jill Levy has been with the Dr. Axe and Ancient Nutrition team for five years. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Fairfield University, followed by a certification as a Holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Jill takes a “non-diet” approach to health and really enjoys teaching others about mindful eating, intuitive eating and the benefits of eating real foods.

Choosing one of the many neuropathy supplements shouldn’t be taken lightly. Take a look at these top 4 "supplements for neuropathy"to discuss with your doctor.

From supplements to foods, learn how to boost collagen naturally with these simple tips. Rebuild and restore collagen in your face and entire body fast.

Learn how to balance your gut biome with this list of the 15 best foods for gut health and proper digestion.

3 words: Golden. Turmeric. Latte.

Blogs only discuss the benefits of using Prescript Assist and never its problems. Not everyone reaps those benefits, some people have issues when taking it.

You’re probably aware of the effect gluten has on our bodies and might have read the phrase ‘leaky gut’ and wondered what it is? Leaky gut is the slang term for ‘intestinal hyperpermeability’. This literally means that there are holes in your intestinal lining that allow anything to pass through it. The intestinal tract is …

Find out which gut type you have from stress gut, autoimmune gut, toxic gut, gastric gut, or a dysbiotic gut.

Supplements for gut health and immune support. This post gives in-depth information about some of my most trusted gut healing supplements. For those with digestive or gut troubles, here are some suppl

Here are the best brain fog supplements you need to boost energy, memory, and focus so you can feel better, do more, and be more productive.

By Rachael Link, RD Collagen is an important type of protein that many of us may not be getting enough of from our diets, considering it’s not found in typical protein sources like most cuts of meat. Although supplementation is widely available, including a few servings of collagen-rich foods and collagen-boosting foods in your diet can also help optimize your levels. This in turn is supportive of healthy joints, skin health and gut health. Which collagen foods are the best ones to focus on? Let’s take a closer look at what exactly collagen does and a few of the top collagen-rich foods to emphasize in your diet. Why Your Body Craves More Collagen Collagen is a type of structural protein found in abundance throughout the body in connective tissues, such as the joints and skin. Often considered the glue that holds the body together, it’s generally responsible for supplying suppleness to the skin, keeping your joints moving smoothly, and much more. As you get older, however, collagen production naturally starts to decline. There are also a variety of lifestyle factors that can interfere with collagen synthesis, such as smoking, too much sun exposure and a poor diet. Generally speaking, increasing your intake of collagen can help in these areas: Supports a healthy gut and impacts gut lining integrity Supports the health of your joints, tendons and connective tissue, impacting comfort and mobility Helps promote healthy hair, nails and skin, including skin elasticity Can assist in building muscle Supports the health of the heart and blood vessels Using a collagen supplement is perhaps the most easy and effective way to kick up collagen levels, but consuming a variety of collagen foods — and foods that help the health of the collagen your body is already making on its own — are other options to help increase levels. Best Collagen-Filled Foods What are the best collagen-filled foods? Foods high in collagen include: 1. Bone Broth Made by simmering the bones, tendons, ligaments and skin over a period of several days, bone broth is a great source of collagen, along with several important amino acids. Bone broth is also available in a protein powder, bar or even capsule form for an easy collagen food supplement to add to your routine. 2. Spirulina This type of algae is a great plant-based source of amino acids like glycine, which is a key component of collagen. Spirulina can be found in dried form at most health food stores and makes a great addition to green smoothies, desserts or juices. 3. Cod Fish Like most other types of white fish, cod fish is jam-packed with amino acids, such as glycine and proline. It’s also high in essential nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. However, be sure to opt for Alaskan cod over Atlantic cod, which is a species that is overfished and considered less sustainable. 4. Eggs Eggs and egg whites, in particular, are some of the top collagen foods thanks to their content of the amino acids that make up collagen, including glycine and proline. Using the whole egg instead of just the egg whites can also supply a steady stream of healthy fats and high-quality protein. 5. Gelatin Gelatin is a type of protein derived from collagen, which is why it’s considered one of the top collagen-filled foods available. Gelatin can be used in cooking and mixed into soups, stews or broths to bump up the nutritional value of your meal. Gelatin supplements are also widely available in sheet, granule or powder form. Plan to Boost Overall Collagen Levels 1. Supplement with Collagen Protein In addition to eating a collagen-filled diet, adding a collagen supplement to your routine is a convenient option for increasing your intake. Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein powder is made from real food ingredients (like beef, chicken, fish and egg shell membrane collagen) and is made without chemicals, artificial ingredients, sweeteners or flavors. Simply add a scoop of Multi Collagen Protein powder to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, sauces, soups or broths to quickly boost your intake. We recommend between one and three servings daily. (Always read and follow label directions.) We proudly source our collagen from non-GMO, grass-fed and pasture-raised, cage-free and cruelty-free sources. Our formula is also hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen has already been partially broken down, so the critical amino acids are typically easier to absorb. You can also try our new Collagen Peptides product that features hydrolyzed and fermented eggshell membrane and bovine collagen, which provides support for healthy hair, skin, nails, joints and gut. 2. Eat Collagen-Filled Foods Aim to add several servings of foods with collagen to your weekly diet, such as by cooking with bone broth, having 1-2 eggs for breakfast, or making a fish dinner. 3. Consume More Collagen-Boosting Foods Foods high in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, can help to maintain your body’s collagen stores. Protein foods like meat and fish, plus nutrients including zinc, manganese and copper are also supportive of collagen production. These foods are some of the best collagen-boosting foods for helping your body to make its own collagen: Leafy Green Vegetables — Loaded with vitamin C, leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and arugula are some of the top foods that promote collagen synthesis in the body. Not only does vitamin C act as an antioxidant, but it is also required for the production of type I collagen, which is the most abundant form of collagen in the body. Pumpkin Seeds — These seeds are incredibly nutrient-dense and also contain around 19 percent of the recommended daily value for zinc in a single serving, which is an important mineral that is integral to collagen synthesis. Strawberries — Besides being a stellar source of vitamin C, strawberries are considered among the top collagen-building foods because they contain ellagic acid, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to support healthy levels of collagen in the body. Other berries like blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are also high in this essential antioxidant. Citrus Fruits — Citrus fruits, such as lemon, limes, oranges and grapefruit, are highly nutritious. These fruits are especially high in vitamin C, an important water-soluble vitamin that plays a central role in collagen production. Plus, they’re high in antioxidants, fiber and other micronutrients that help support overall health. Garlic — Garlic is one of the top foods high in collagen-boosting compounds, such as sulfur, which is thought to support healthy collagen synthesis in the body. Fermented foods — Probiotic-containing fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, apple cider vinegar and sauerkraut support the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut, which is important for a healthy immune system and maintenance of healthy cells/tissues throughout your body. Herbs and Spices — Fresh and dried herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, clove, cinnamon, rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano and others are supportive of healthy immune system function, gut function and digestive health. Rachael Link, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian based in New York City. She completed her undergraduate degree in Dietetics at the University of Central Missouri and later received her Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. Rachael is passionate about plant-based nutrition and enjoys providing easy-to-understand information to readers looking to support their health.

Get started today with one of these practical ways to heal your gut - what to cut, what to eat, herbs to try, and habits you must adopt to get your body back in order from the inside out.

From a healthy gut to strong hair and nails, the benefits of gelatin are many! Here are 14 ways to eat this superfood on a daily basis!

While many people’s concerns about their diet relate to a proper intake of calcium and protein, one of the key regulators of our bodies’ chemistry – magnesium – is the most often forgotten. The vegetarian diet tends to be high in calcium (from dairy, especially cheese) and low in magnesium (from whole grains, nuts, and legumes), although a varied diet assures that both magnesium and calcium are consumed in equal ratios. Magnesium is the king of the minerals in our body, being necessary for hundreds of its chemical reactions. It is involved in almost every ...

This post is a great introduction to the signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency, and includes a list of magnesium-rich foods!

How Common Is Magnesium Deficiency? A medical review states that magnesium deficiency is a public health crisis with about 50% of Americans consuming less

Clients ask me which probiotics we use and how to rotate them. Whether you're on a healing protocol or a wellness diet, gut diversity is the precedent. It's easy for many of us to choose one trustworthy probiotic supplement and stay on it, especially if it's a probiotic with multiple strains. However... (read more)

Are you eating enough fiber through prebiotic foods? In this article, integrative nutritionist Nicole Magryta explains why we need to make sure we get enough prebiotic fiber from prebiotic foods in our diets. Not only do prebiotic fiber foods help to improve digestion and blood sugar levels, but it helps promote the increase of healthy gut bacteria and a strong microbiome. Learn more about its health benefits and get a prebiotic food list that shows you the top gut-supporting prebiotic foods you should be eating today!

Depression is a serious mental condition affecting a significant portion of the global population. Fortunately, supplement treatment options are available.

Leaky Gut Syndrome is a blanket term that could cover a whole host of gastrointestinal issues. Years ago, physicians believed that they could trace a...

Preliminary research shows it might promote gut health in a major way.

Many of us have got obsessed with restoring our gut health recently. We've heard a healthy gut will heal everything from heartburn and headaches to inflammation. And we're popping probiotics and gorging on fermented food

Ion Biome. What is Ion Biome, and how does it work for gut healing? Prior name for Ion Biome is Restore via agutsygirl.com

Glutamine is essential in improving digestive health and memory. Read on to know its benefits and the 15 glutamine-rich foods you should include in your diet.

Everyone is talking about the benefits of collagen, but does it work? We review Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. Find out if it helped our skin, hair, nails, or joints.

The best supplements and lifestyle changes you need to improve liver health including milk thistle, NAC and and Choline for a healthy liver

Eating foods high in B1 is crucial to prevent symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency. The best way to improve the nutritional levels of vitamin B1

The right adrenal fatigue supplements can make a big difference in your symptoms. Find out which six supplements are recommended for healing adrenal fatigue.

Homemade Gummy Bears made with probiotics for a gut-healthy boost! Just a few simple ingredients for these gluten-free gummies kids will love!

Why is Iodine so important? Foods that are rich in Iodine