“Research has shown that all roads lead to the health of our gut microbiome,” says Raphael Kellman, MD, founder of the Kellman Wellness Center in New York City. “Our well-being depends on this inner realm of thousands of microbes residing in our intestines. They greatly impact mood, metabolism, immune function, digestion, hormones, inflammation, and even gene expression.” He adds that a balanced bacterial population can mean excellent health, while dysbiosis—or microbial imbalance—triggers disease and chronic illness. OK, we’re listening. But how do you know if you have an unhealthy gut? According to Carielle Nikkel, MS, RDN, a nutritionist with Persona Nutrition, some common symptoms that suggest an imbalance include bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. “Your digestive discomfort could be explained by a variety of issues—from a food sensitivity to an underlying health condition,” she says. “But one trend is clear: Digestive issues are often linked to an imbalance of bacteria in your gut. This delicate balance can be altered by your lifestyle, exercise, and antibiotic use (among many other things), but diet is one of the best, most effective ways to improve our microbiome.” By making dietary and lifestyle changes with the bacteria in mind, you can see improvements in every area of the body, including systems that may seem far removed from intestinal health. Here are the five foods Dr. Kellman recommends limiting in the name of your gut microbiome—and overall health and happiness. RELATED: 7 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat Every Day for Long-Term Health RELATED: Your Gut Needs Prebiotics and Probiotics—But What’s the Difference? RELATED: 5 Healthy Foods That Are High in Vitamin D (and Why It’s So Important to Eat Them)
