It is not familiar to talk about how food affects your body once it has entered your digestive system. Your body absorbed the nutrients or lack of nutrients (aka chemical) within your food. Eating food is how your gut creates its microbiome. When you eat whole, nutritious foods, the good bacteria in your gut grow, and it helps boost your immune system. When you consume overly processed foods and snacks, it destroys the good bacteria in your gut and breaks down your immune system. What you eat can determine if you get sick often. 

Here are some healthy foods that can benefit your gut microbiome:

1. Sauerkraut

2. Miso

3. Kimchi

4. Sourdough

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

6. Kombucha

7. Brussels Sprouts

8. Garlic

9. Whole Grains

10. Fresh Fruits

11. Kefir

12. Ginger

The reason many of these foods help improve your gut microbiome is that they are fermented. Miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, sourdough, and kombucha are all fermented foods. Through fermentation, the foods break down glucose and acid, which helps create probiotic bacteria. The probiotic bacteria feed off the glucose from the foods and thrives in the process of fermentation. When you consume these foods, the beneficial bacteria are transferred to your stomach, improving your digestive system and boosting your immune system. The other foods on this list are also good for your gut microbiome because they are packed with fiber and nutrients. The saying is true “you are what you eat” because everything that goes into your body changes how it functions. If you feel sick, lethargic, or need some serious gut transformation, try slowly implementing these foods into your diet!