Optimizing Gut Health: Probiotics, Prebiotics, and In-Season Ingredients
The pursuit of good gut health has led to an obsession with nurturing the bacteria in our intestines for better digestive health and to ward off serious illness. Trillions of bacteria live in our digestive system, mainly in the large intestine, and a healthy gut houses a complex mixture of bacteria, while an unhealthy one will be much less diverse. High-fibre foods, a Mediterranean diet, and fermented foods can help increase the number of good bacteria in the gut, while avoiding stress, getting good sleep, and exercise also contribute to good gut health. On the other hand, some bad bacteria can make us severely unwell, and a healthy diet is key to preventing them from causing disease. Signs of good gut health include normal digestion and good energy levels, while signs of poor gut health include digestive discomfort, irregular bowel movements, unintentional weight loss, and lightheadedness. While microbiome testing can be interesting, it doesn't provide a full picture of gut health, and probiotics are not regulated and may not have significant long-term effects. Five ways to reboot gut health include eating a variety of plants, consuming colorful foods, incorporating fermented foods, allowing the gut to rest, and limiting ultra-processed foods.