Akshay Kumar’s heroine says she avoids green salads. University of Pennsylvania doctor explains why certain foods can slow down weight loss: ‘Inside your intestine…’

At 50, Chitrangada Singh looks as fabulous as ever. In an interview, the Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi star revealed the diet which gave her flawless skin and a svelte figure. In the podcast Lets Talk With Namitaa, the Bob Biswas actress said she begins her day with a glass of warm water. She soaked a spoonful of jeera, carom and ajwain in the water the night before. She also put a dash of lemon juice in the concoction before drinking it down in one go. After her morning drink, she has a handful of nuts, mostly almonds. She then indulged in a bowl of kiwi, papaya and apples - all fruits which are antioxidant rich and high in fibre.

After a workout session, she has some eggs and toast. Often it would be paired with a fruit like avocado. Later, if she feels hungry, she has a bowl of soup such as drumstick soup. On days, she is in the mood for non vegetarian, she has mutton paya soup.

She stated she has dinner by 6:30 pm. She admitted that she didn’t have too much green salad as that didn’t suit her sensitive gut system and caused bloating. She has a dinner rich in carbohydrates such as chicken sandwich, a chicken dish with some chapati and dal.

How A Healthy Gut Can Help You Lose Weight

In a video, Dr Oz, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine explains why your gut health influences your weight. He explained that the 100 trillion bacteria living in your gut, have a say in how much you weigh! He elaborated, that these bacterium have to be fed, but most people consume foods- rich in calorie and low in fibre such as processed snacks which feed the wrong kind of bacteria. “The more bad bacteria grows, the more you gain weight,” he stated.

A guest in Dr Oz’s show, Dr Josh Axe, a graduate of John Hopkins University grad explained what foods can trigger growth of ‘good bacteria’ in your gut and promote weight loss. He advised health enthusiasts to eat more carrots (high in fibre and a prebiotic food). Carrots are an excellent source of prebiotics, providing fermentable fibers such as pectin and rhamnogalacturonan-I that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria.

These fibers help nourish the gut microbiome, supporting healthy digestion and overall gut function. Although fresh carrots do not contain live probiotic microorganisms, combining them with fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut offers the advantages of both prebiotics and probiotics. This combination helps beneficial bacteria thrive while introducing additional live microbes that can further promote a balanced and healthy gut microbiome.

He also suggested that health enthusiasts add more prebiotic, fibre ruch foods in their diet, such as antichokes, asparagus etc.

Prebiotics act as nourishment for the beneficial bacteria living in the gut. Rather than adding new microbes, they provide the fiber and nutrients that probiotics need to grow, multiply, and thrive. Among the best natural sources, asparagus stands out because it not only supplies prebiotic fiber but also helps increase the body's production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that supports cellular health.

Artichokes are considered one of the richest sources of prebiotics, while onions and garlic are also packed with these gut-friendly compounds. Raw, locally sourced honey is another excellent addition, offering natural sweetness while supporting beneficial gut bacteria, making it a healthier way to satisfy sweet cravings as part of a balanced diet.

The Power Of Sour Foods

Dr Axe also suggested people consume more sour foods such as sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, miso soup etc. Research suggests that consuming naturally sour foods may help reduce cravings, making them a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Some of the best options include coconut kefir, traditional dairy kefir, kombucha, apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso.

These fermented foods are rich in beneficial probiotics that help support a balanced gut microbiome and promote digestive health. Fermented dairy products and fermented vegetables are particularly effective sources of these healthy bacteria. Among them, apple cider vinegar has become especially popular for its potential health benefits, earning recognition as one of the most widely used wellness supplements in recent years.