That said, while some foods may generally be classified as “intestinal healthy foods,” you also need to consider any potential food intolerances that may be unique to you. This type of intolerance can contribute to a “loose” or permeable intestinal wall – a phenomenon that many functional health experts also refer to as “intestinal permeability” or “bloated bowel”.
“When the permeability of the intestinal lining is changed, it allows toxins, bacteria and foreign substances such as indigestible food particles to enter the bloodstream with nutrients,” family medicine physician Bindiya Gandhi, MD, previously told mbg. It can also cause digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune problems, food allergies and even joint pain.
And while your diet is important, it’s not the only thing that can promote imbalance. “There are many factors – both social and structural, environmental and behavioral, which can affect intestinal health,” said Pasquilillo, who prefers to refer to “social determinants of health models” to get a more holistic view. Proximity and access to nutritious food in the area where you live, level of education, food quality / agriculture, pollution and water quality can all contribute to intestinal problems, he said.
On an individual level, some of the other things that can negatively affect your gut include: