Eat this ‘No. 1’ lunch to avoid digestive issues like constipation and bloating: experts
Want a healthy tummy? Just use your noodle — and add some shrimp.
To maintain an up-to-snuff gut and avoid the plague of digestive diseases such as chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis and Crohn’s disease, health-conscious foodies can look to experts who have revealed the “No. 1” lunch to eat.
Eat “Kimchi Shrimp Cup of Noodles,” says registered dietitian Amanda Sauceda, who points to nutrition and sustainability hub EatingWell’s site’s two-step recipe for preparing the dish DIY-style rather than buying it processed and prepackaged from a gas station.
This meal offers diners a balanced combination of three essential macronutrients — carbs, protein and fat — ensuring a well-rounded lunch with gut-friendly benefits.
“Protein helps keep you full and fuels your afternoon,” said Sauceda, adding that seafood-averse eaters can swap out the shrimp for tofu or another lean protein. “Fat also helps to keep you full and is important for hormone health.”
The stomach specialist also suggested pairing the chow with a helping of fiber-rich add-ons, like almonds or avocados, and fermented foods such as yogurt, which can offer probiotics — good live bacteria or yeasts believed to improve and restore the gut microbiome.
“Most people don’t eat enough fiber, and it’s critical for a healthy and happy gut,” Sauceda noted. “Fiber is fuel for your gut bacteria and helps keep you pooping regularly.”
And staying regular is key to leading a high-quality life.
A September 2022 survey conducted by the American Gastroenterological Association found that nearly 40% of Americans avoid conducting routine activities — such as exercising, running errands and spending time with loved ones — due to uncomfortable bowel symptoms.
Meanwhile, a March 2022 study from New York’s Clarkson University found a possible link between a person’s gut health and personality.
“Although we are still learning about the gut-brain connection, based on these exploratory findings we can see that there may be a connection between gut bacteria and trait level energy and fatigue,” said researcher Ali Boolani of the report.
He added, “Since we are still learning about the gut microbiome, we don’t know whether if we try to change our personality trait, we might see a change in gut microbiome; or if we try to change our gut microbiome, we might also change our personality trait.”
Gut health hacks have become all the rage amongst Gen Z and millennial social media users, who regularly discuss reversing chronic belly pains through nutrient-dense, plant-based meals and beverages.
In fact, some suggest, a salve might exist that many folks already have sitting in their pantries.
“You don’t need an expensive prescription, you don’t need expensive medication,” gut-health influencer “Chels” reassured “gorgeous gorgeous” girls who grapple with IBS and incessant stomach bloating in a viral TikTok — where the hashtag “Irritable Bowel Girl” has over 9.7 million views.
“Peppermint tea,” she urged. “Sip on this bad boy and in a few hours you should be feeling significantly better.”
