Gut Health

    The 9 best gut healing foods to invest in (+ 5 to avoid at all cost!)

    Written By: Steve Collins
    Published at: 05/30/2024
    Updated at: 06/11/2025

    Gut Smarter

    No matter where you are on your gut healing journey, here are some excellent whole foods that you can enjoy liberally in the knowledge they are giving more than they take from you.

    1. Collagen, L-Glutamine & Bone Broth

    We call these"pro-gut proteins"and the quality of and the frequency we use these proteins to promote gut rejuvenation and maintenance of excellent health and function is one of the success secrets of our clients. This is our favourite collagen to start your gut health journey with. And here's our clean, pharmaceutical L-glutamine product.

    2. Lean Meat

    Like it or not, humans have eaten meat forever – and we're very well adapted to digesting it. Meat provides important amino acids that help your gut and body to adapt and recover.  

    3. Coconut Oil

    Coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal because it contains lauric acid. This oil is incredibly immune  and gut health supportive and a first class oil to cook with.

    Collagen Restore™

    A high-tech collagen formula that works to restore plump, firm, bouncy skin and improve gut health and function. 

    Try Collagen Restore™

    4. Grass-Fed Butter

    Well sourced butter is a good source of vitamin A, K2 and butyrate. It's also another excellent fat to use at high heat, and is typically easy to digest.

    5. Tropical Fruits

    Fruits such as papaya, paw paw, lychees, oranges and watermelon are easy to digest and packed with nutrients and energy. You can overdo it on fruit easily – so find the right amount for your gut at any one time.

    6. Liver

    Liver is one of our favourite foods at My Way Up. Admittedly, not to eat on its own. In fact, we just like it in capsule form. 

    However, it's pro-gut benefits are undeniable, and it's about the most important pro-metabolic foods on the planet also. This is down to its very high vitamin A, D, E, K and B availability, plus a load of other minerals like iron, copper and magnesium. It's a must have.

    7. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    "Extra virgin" simply means it's a cold pressed version of olive oil that is never heated. And that's a good thing, because olive oil is destroyed when exposed to light, or high heat temperatures (<190 C - 374 F).

    Extra-virgin olive oil affects the gut microbiota by reducing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria, and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help to lower inflammation.

    8. Shellfish

    Shellfish are nature's multi-mineral supplements, that a lot of people also find delicious (I'm one of them).

    Oysters in particular are absolutely packed with pro-thyroid, metabolism supporting minerals that make a huge impact on your overall health. Remember, if your metabolism is unsupported and sluggish, you'll be unlikely to ever fully heal your gut.

    9. Root Vegetables

    Well cooked root vegetables are easy to digest and support growth of good gut bacteria. Root vegetables like carrots are "prebiotic" foods, that also provide a great benefit to the metabolism and in our experience, help people gain a measure of control of their wider nutritionF

    Nature's Multivitamin

    Organic Liver provides a comprehensive blend of key vitamins + minerals to fill nutrient gaps and deliver the foundation for better health.

    Organic Liver

    BONUS: 5 "foods" to avoid at all cost

    Eat more of these YES foods mentioned above, and less of these NO foods to further improve your gut healing potential.

    1. Emulsifiers like maltodextrin and carrageenan 
    2. Artificial colours, flavours, gums and preservatives
    3. Vegetable and seed oils.
    4. Wheat and gluten-containing foods (early in your gut health journey)
    5. Alcohol (we know, we know. So start healing ASAP!)