Your gut health affects more than just digestion—it can impact your mood, immune system, and even lower your risk for diseases like diabetes.
The key to a healthy gut is having more “good” bacteria than “bad” bacteria.
Good bacteria help break down food, fight off illness, and support mental well-being.
In fact, researchers even call the gut your “second brain” because it sends signals to your real brain!
Stress, mood, and depression can have a negative impact on gut bacteria. Other things like lack of sleep, pollution, and antibiotics can also harm your gut health.
And gut bacteria can influence your appetite and food choices, too.
That means what you eat can affect how you feel—and how you feel can affect what you eat!
Also known as “gut microbiota” or “gut flora”, are the bacteria, fungi, and viruses in your gut. Some are good, some are bad.
Live, good bacteria found in some foods and supplements. The more variety of probiotics in your diet, the better!
Certain types of fiber-rich foods that feed good bacteria. If you’re new to eating these foods, start slow, as they can cause gas!
Probiotics introduce good bacteria, while prebiotics feed those bacteria so they can thrive.
Breastfeeding helps babies build a strong gut microbiome. The probiotics in breastmilk may protect against diarrhea, infections, and inflammation.
Drinks like Olipop and Poppi have less sugar than regular sodas and contain added prebiotic fiber (about 9 grams per can). They’re low in calories and could be a fun occasional treat that also supports gut health!
Taking care of your gut means more than just good digestion—it can boost your mood, support your immune system, and even improve overall health.
By eating more probiotic and prebiotic foods while limiting processed and high-sugar options, you can help the good bacteria in your gut thrive.
Small changes to your diet can make a big difference, so start today and give your gut the support it needs!
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Author: Bridget Swinney MS, RDN, LD
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