When it comes to diet, many people want something very specific. If your goal is improving #guthealth, we got you covered. Here are four food groups to keep your #gut functioning at peak performance.

#Fermented foods - such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, and tempe - contain sugars that have been broken down by yeast or bacteria. These foods often contain lactobacilli and other probiotics, which are bacteria that can benefit health.

#Prebiotic foods cannot be digested by human cells but can be broken down by beneficial bacteria in the gut. They are found in resistant starch and fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. "Many studies have shown that prebiotics can promote the growth of several types of beneficial bacteria. Certain prebiotics have also been shown to reduce insulin, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in people with obesity, which could be beneficial for the prevention of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes."

Plant-based foods are naturally higher in nutrient-dense fiber. A 2019 review noted that "plant foods are rich in specific nutrients that can increase levels of beneficial bacteria and decrease harmful strains of bacteria to support gut health."

#Polyphenol-rich foods such as dark chocolate, red wine, green tea, almonds, onions, blueberries, and broccoli, "have many health benefits, including reductions in blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol levels, and oxidative stress". Since human cells can not efficiently absorb polyphenols, most of them make their way to the colon where they are digested by gut bacteria. The polyphenols in these types of foods may improve several health outcomes related to heart disease and inflammation.

Regardless of what you seek from your diet, taking Gutbiome6