Bacteria might sound like something to avoid, especially during these "avoid microbes at all costs" times, but gut bacteria play a very important role in your health. They not only help you digest food, but are also are tied to immune health, mental health, and metabolic health to name a few. And the ones populating your body's barriers are unique to you, making or breaking your individual health.

In fact, your microbiome is so individualized that it's like a fingerprint. It starts developing at birth and is influenced by a variety of factors including diet and lifestyle. And although bacteria live throughout your entire body, your gut bacteria impacts your health the most.

However, not all gut bacteria are good. For example, a poor diet will feed specific bacteria, leading to cravings for more nutrient-poor foods. People who become sick may lack bacterial diversity, or have too little or too much of a specific type of bacteria.

To foster healthy bacteria, be sure to enjoy a nutritious diet that is high in fiber-rich foods like vegetables, certain fruits, and whole grains. But also limit high-fat, high-sugar, low-fiber foods, all of which can kill certain types of gut bacteria and make your microbiome less diverse.

If you are further looking to plus up your immune system, digestion, mental wellbeing, or metabolism, consider taking this advice one step further by adding Gutbiome6 Support to your daily routine!