Food, not pills: fiber and fermented foods power a healthier gut

Probiotic supplements have surged in popularity, but experts say the best way to support your gut microbiome is through fiber-rich plants and fermented foods rather than supplements. A Washington Post Well+Being column cites a study showing probiotic use tripled from 2009 to 2023 while fiber and fermented-food intake stayed low, arguing that dietary changes—especially increasing fiber and fermented foods—are more beneficial for gut health and may avoid disrupting microbiome balance.