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Good-for-Your-Gut Foods, according to a Dietitian

June 11, 2025 General /Family

Your Gut, Your Health

Your gut health affects more than just digestion—it can impact your mood, immune system, and even lower your risk for diseases like diabetes.

The key to a healthy gut is having more “good” bacteria than “bad” bacteria.

Good bacteria help break down food, fight off illness, and support mental well-being.

Gut-Brain Communication

Did you know your gut and brain “talk”?

In fact, researchers even call the gut your “second brain” because it sends signals to your real brain!

Stress, mood, and depression can have a negative impact on gut bacteria. Other things like lack of sleep, pollution, and antibiotics can also harm your gut health.

And gut bacteria can influence your appetite and food choices, too.
That means what you eat can affect how you feel—and how you feel can affect what you eat!

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Helpful Terms to Know:

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Gut microbiome

Also known as “gut microbiota” or “gut flora”, are the bacteria, fungi, and viruses in your gut. Some are good, some are bad.

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Probiotics

Live, good bacteria found in some foods and supplements. The more variety of probiotics in your diet, the better!

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Prebiotics

Certain types of fiber-rich foods that feed good bacteria. If you’re new to eating these foods, start slow, as they can cause gas!

Tip!
Eating a variety of probiotic and prebiotic foods can help keep your gut healthy and support overall well-being.

Probiotics introduce good bacteria, while prebiotics feed those bacteria so they can thrive.

To give your gut the best care,
choose a variety of probiotic and prebiotic foods like these:

Examples of Probiotic Foods
Your Baby’s First Probiotic Food: Breastmilk

Breastfeeding helps babies build a strong gut microbiome. The probiotics in breastmilk may protect against diarrhea, infections, and inflammation.

Examples of Prebiotic Foods
What about Prebiotic Sodas?

Drinks like Olipop and Poppi have less sugar than regular sodas and contain added prebiotic fiber (about 9 grams per can). They’re low in calories and could be a fun occasional treat that also supports gut health!

Foods to Eat Less of for Better Gut Health
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A Healthy Gut, A Healthier You

Taking care of your gut means more than just good digestion—it can boost your mood, support your immune system, and even improve overall health.

By eating more probiotic and prebiotic foods while limiting processed and high-sugar options, you can help the good bacteria in your gut thrive.

Small changes to your diet can make a big difference, so start today and give your gut the support it needs!

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