How to feed your gut

The gut microbiota contains trillions of microbes, including both good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria help digest food and absorb nutrients, regulate appetite, synthesize vitamins, and support the immune system. When the gut microbiota becomes unbalanced because of an increasing number of bad bacteria, problems can arise. Keeping the gut balanced and healthy involves eating more probiotics (foods containing good bacteria) and prebiotics (foods that help existing good bacteria grow).