Growing up, my grandmother never talked about “gut health.”

She didn't know what probiotics were, and she certainly never used words like “good bacteria.”

But somehow, almost everything she served had been made the traditional way.

There was fresh ogi (pap) for breakfast, homemade yoghurt whenever it was available, and foods prepared with patience rather than shortcuts.

Back then, we simply ate what was placed in front of us.

Today, scientists have given a name to what our grandparents had been doing for years—fermented foods.

Fermented foods are made through a natural process where beneficial microorganisms help transform the food. This process can create foods that support a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive system.

🥣 Foods that support a healthy gut

🥛 Yoghurt

A good source of probiotics that can support digestion. Choose plain yoghurt with little or no added sugar whenever possible.

🌾 Ogi (Pap)

A Nigerian favourite made from fermented maize, millet, or sorghum. It's gentle on the stomach and enjoyed by both children and adults.

🥤 Kefir

A fermented milk drink that's rich in beneficial bacteria and has a tangy flavour.

🥬 Fermented vegetables

Foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are packed with flavour and can add variety to your meals.

🌿 Why does your gut love them?

A healthy digestive system does more than help break down food. It also plays an important role in absorbing nutrients and supporting your overall well-being. Including fermented foods as part of a balanced diet may help support a healthy gut.

The funny thing is, our grandparents may not have had the scientific explanations we have today.

They simply knew that some foods made you feel better.

And sometimes, tradition turns out to have been onto something all along.