How to choose beneficial fermented drinks for natural probiotic support

Maintaining physical wellness relies heavily on consistent eating habits rather than occasional consumption. Dr Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, shared insights on Instagram on Tuesday regarding common dietary staples.

He noted, "Not everything you eat daily supports your gut," adding, "Your gut is built daily; choose foods that support it, not stress it."

1. Diet Coke (Score - 4/10)

Artificial sweeteners in carbonated drinks disturb the gut microbiome. Dr Vatsya cautioned that these beverages indirectly affect the insulin response.

2. Banana (Score - 8/10)

Bananas are excellent for daily intake due to pectin fibre which supports digestion. However, quantity control remains vital to avoid gastric issues.

3. Processed cheese slices (Score - 3/10)

Dr Vatsya stated, "I am a fan of unprocessed cheese slices," but warned that processed versions are often not gut-friendly.

4. White bread (Score - 3/10)

White bread consists of refined flour lacking fibre. The gastroenterologist highlighted its high glycemic index, noting, "It does not provide satiety and increases metabolic risk." Dr Vatsya recommends avoiding such foods to prevent blood sugar crashes.

"Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as medical advice. Readers should always consult a qualified doctor regarding any questions about their health or a medical condition."