Gut Health, Microbiome & Foods That Help Good Bacteria Thrive Your gut health plays a powerful role in digestion, immunity, mood, and even food cravings. Inside your digestive system lives a vast ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms, known as the gut microbiome . When this ecosystem is balanced, your body functions better. When it is disturbed, health problems can develop over time. What Is the Gut Microbiome? The gut microbiome is made up of more than 50 trillion microorganisms, including bacteria, that live primarily in your intestines. These microbes help break down food, absorb nutrients, produce vitamins, and protect the body from harmful pathogens. A healthy microbiome depends on diversity . The greater the variety of beneficial bacteria, the better your digestive and immune health. The Gut–Brain Connection The gut is often called the “second brain” because it contains millions of neurons and communicates constantly with the brain through nerves and chemic...
