By Robyn White
Nature Reporter
Breakfast is often described as the most important meal of the day. And what we eat for breakfast plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy gut.
The gastrointestinal tract is typically most active in the mornings. Sleep also helps keep bowel movements in a healthy rhythm.
The definition of a healthy breakfast changes from person to person. But certain foods can help set the body up for smoother digestion. These include oats, yogurt and certain fruits—like bananas and raspberries.
Gastroenterologists told Newsweek the types of breakfasts they eat for a healthy gut.
"The breakfast I eat, depends on the day of the week," said James H. Tabibian, a gastroenterologist at Adventist Health Glendale and professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
"On weekdays, I often only have coffee with a small amount of cream and sugar; this helps warm up my body and mind and also keeps me regular. On the weekends, I have a more substantive breakfast with oatmeal and fruit [and coffee], sometimes rye toast as well."
Breakfast foods should also vary depending on the physical activity you do in a day, another expert said.
"On days I lift weights or do heavy cardio [five days a week], I typically consume a high-protein diet such as a low-carb pea protein smoothie with one-third of an avocado and some berry mixed in with coconut milk as the base," Toufic Kachaamy, interventional program specialist, chief of medicine and director of gastroenterology and endoscopy at the City of Hope Center in Phoenix told Newsweek.
Some people choose to intermittently fast, meaning they do not eat breakfast at all.
"On days I do not work out, I skip breakfast and 'intermittently fast' until lunchtime [typically two days a week]," Kachaamy said.
Intermittent fasting has been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation in the body, meaning it can help against bloating.
It also holds other health benefits, such as helping with weight loss and lowering cholesterol. However, it is not recommended for everyone—eating breakfast ensures the body gets essential nutrients in the morning.
Vincent Ho, a gastroenterologist at the Western Sydney University in Australia told Newsweek that he usually has a standard serving of cereal (30 grams), as well as açaí berries and kiwi fruit.
"This provides good antioxidants and dietary fiber," he said.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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