Did you know there are over 40 trillion bacteria in your body, and the majority are in your digestive tract, or “the gut”? They are referred to as your “gut microbiome” and scientific research has found them to be essential for your health, and play an important role in maintaining your brain functioning at peak levels while also keeping your immune system active to prevent disease.

The food you eat will impact the proper makeup of your gut microbiome.

Take the first step today to begin to protect and help your gut’s function by incorporating these into your daily diet and routine:

-High Fiber Foods: Avocados, lentils, chickpeas, beans, whole grains and nuts. They contain high fiber which doesn't get digested in the small intestine and make its way to the large intestine where they promote growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Some people need to avoid wheat, barley, and rye which contain gluten and may cause inflammation.

-Foods that fight inflammation: Avocados, berries, broccoli, dark chocolate, fatty fish (like wild salmon and sardines), grapes, green tea, mushrooms, onions, peppers, turmeric and walnuts.

-Bone broth can help repair the lining of your intestinal wall.

-Fermented foods: Yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and fermented ginger are great sources. Be sure to restrict yogurt and kombucha high in sugar. Sugar is enemy number one for a healthy microbiome.

-Foods high in polyphenols and other antioxidants: dark chocolate, red wine, green tea, almonds, onions, blueberries, and broccoli. They travel all the way into your colon since they are hard to digest providing food to your friendly gut bacteria.

-Hydration: drink more water and eat vegetables with high water content like cucumbers, celery, radishes, zucchini, tomatoes, asparagus.

-Probiotics are key: They will change the composition of an unhealthy microbiome and help support your gut health if you are taking medications or eating too much processed food and sugar, which unbalances the system. These include your fermented foods and probiotic supplementation if necessary.

-Emotional health is important for a healthy gut, releasing frustrations, anger, worry and stress.

Think #seismic6