Gut Microbiome

Your gut microbiome is the mixture of bacteria in your gut. A more diversified gut microbiome is healthier than one with fewer types of microbes. Different bacteria are responsible for extracting different nutrients from your food, so with a more diverse gut microbiome, you will be able to get the most out of all the foods you eat.

Your gut microbiome is affected by your diet and lifestyle. The typical Western diet is low in fiber, high in sugar, high in processed foods, and high in meat sources of protein. This type of diet does not promote a healthy balance of bacteria within our gut. Diets high in fiber, low in sugar, and low in processed foods promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Exercise also promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

A diet rich in Fiber, Polyphenols, Prebiotics, and Probiotics will improve the health of your gut microbiome. (see next section “what to eat to optimize your gut health” to learn more)