In this refreshing and knowledge-packed episode of The Lifestyle Prescription, host Rena Annobil is joined by renowned nutritionist and gut health expert Nishta Patel, AKA thegutexpert_ on Instagram, to unravel the powerful connection between food and overall wellness.
Together, they dive deep into the digestive system, uncovering how our food choices influence everything from immunity to energy levels and even emotional health. If you’ve ever wondered why gut health matters or how to eat better without going on a restrictive diet, this episode is for you.
Table of Contents
2. Foods That Heal: What To Eat for a Happy Gut
3. Plant Points: A Simple Tool for Wellness
Why Gut Health Is Crucial
Nishta kicks off by explaining why the gut is considered the “second brain.” It’s responsible for far more than digestion—it plays a role in mental clarity, hormonal balance, immunity, and even mood regulation. Gut imbalances, she explains, are often linked to chronic fatigue, inflammation, and digestive disorders like IBS and Crohn’s Disease.
She also sheds light on lesser-known conditions such as proctitis, explaining how diet and lifestyle can either exacerbate or help manage these issues.
Foods That Heal: What To Eat for a Happy Gut
One of the most eye-opening moments in the episode is Nishta’s breakdown of what to eat for better gut health. She demystifies prebiotics and probiotics, explaining the key differences and where to find them naturally in your diet.
Her top recommendations include:
- Kefir, kimchi, and kombucha – great probiotic sources
- Garlic, leeks, bananas, and oats – rich in prebiotics
- Colorful plant-based foods to diversify the gut microbiome
She also cautions against excessive consumption of “beige foods”—highly processed, nutrient-poor items that can wreak havoc on gut balance—and explains how processed foods and added sugars can negatively impact digestion over time.
Plant Points: A Simple Tool for Wellness
Nishta introduces the concept of “plant points”—a practical way to increase variety and nutrition in your diet. The idea is to count the different types of plants (vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains) you consume each week.
Why? Because diversity in your diet equals diversity in your gut microbiome, which is key to long-term health.
From Gut Expert to Wellness Advocate
Nishta also opens up about her personal journey—how her own health challenges with her family inspired her to become a clinical nutritionist. Her mission? To empower others to understand their bodies and take ownership of their health through practical, evidence-based nutrition advice.
She and Rena discuss the lack of nutritional education available in mainstream healthcare and why conversations around gut health need to become more mainstream, especially for women.
Is the “Gut Feeling” Real?
Yes, it is! Nishta confirms that the gut-brain connection is backed by science. This episode explains how the gut and brain communicate and how improving your digestion can even help with emotional regulation, anxiety, and stress.
Tune In and Transform Your Gut Health
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to improve their gut health in realistic, manageable steps. Whether you're struggling with digestive issues, low energy, or just want to feel your best, Nishta Patel offers grounded, relatable advice to help you thrive.
Ready to take control of your health from the inside out? Tune in to The Lifestyle Prescription with Rena Annobil and start making gut-friendly choices today.
