4 ways to support your gut health

Not all bacteria are bad!

In fact, many of the bacteria in your gut, known as your gut microbiome, actually play an important role in keeping you healthy!

Having a healthy microbiome not only helps with digestion but can also benefit your mental health and help your immune system work better.

But how do you keep your gut healthy?

Aim to eat various types of fruits and vegetables! They're high in fiber, which helps healthy gut bacteria grow. A diverse diet = a diverse microbiome!

Having diverse bacteria species in your microbiome gives you access to a wide range of benefits from supporting bone and brain health to affecting heart health and weight.

Some fiber-rich veggies include:

• Broccoli

• Asparagus

• Spinach

Fermented foods are a natural source of probiotics, meaning they can add beneficial bacteria to your gut microbiome.

For example, yogurt is a fermented food that can boost digestive health by reducing the symptoms of common gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

Other fermented food options include:

• Kefir

• Sauerkraut

• Kimchi

• Kombucha

Polyphenols are plant compounds that also help boost healthy bacteria in your gut and provide benefits like reducing inflammation.

A cupof coffee or tea (green or black) is one way to get some polyphenols!

Others include:

• Blueberries and strawberries

• Almonds

• Veggies like artichokes and onions

• Olives

Because stress can have a negative impact on your microbiome and vice versa, an unhealthy gut can also have negative effects on your mental health.

Finding healthy ways to manage your stress can help you avoid this negative cycle!

Some great ways to manage stress include:

• Mindfulness

• Meditation

• Physical activity

Boost your gut health with these steps!