The large intestine contains the highest concentration of microbes in our bodies and these microbes are different for everyone. The different types depend on genes, age, gender, diet, hygiene and even climate and occupation. Studies show that gut microbes even affect pain, mood, sleep, stress, and how our bodies use the food we eat to fight infection and keep us healthy. The microbes in our gut also affect how the nutrients we eat are stored in our bodies, as well as regulate our appetites and have some control in our weight.

Diets high in fat and refined sugars can cause the good and bad bacteria in our gut to become unbalanced. This can cause inflammation and increase our risk for infections. The gut microbiota actually act to crowd out bad bacteria that can cause infection. It can also decrease inflammation throughout the body by releasing specific compounds to prevent attacks on the immune system. 

Foods that are good for gut health include high FIBER foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and pre/probiotics!

Fiber Foods:

• Bran cereal, FiberOne bar
• Beans (lentils, kidney, black, lima, etc)
• Berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
• Quinoa, wild rice, brown rice, whole wheat bread
• Spinach, collard greens, peas, broccoli, squash
• Almonds, sesame seeds, pistachios
• Pears, apples, dried fig, prunes, oranges

Probiotic Foods:

• Aged cheeses, greek yogurt, kefir
• Kimchi, kombucha, olives, sauerkraut, soybeans
• Sourdough bread

Prebiotic Foods:

• Berries, bananas, tomatoes, vegetables
• Barley, flaxseed, oatmeal, wheat
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils

For more in-depth info check out this link>> http://www.nutritionnews.abbott/nutrition-as-medicine/the-role-of-the-microbiome-in-gut-health-.html?fbclid=IwAR2R1aisahO4KeNLiZNXXiszzbQoZDqtCoT-5jLopPYlI-PXhMeHVepZ464

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