Ways to Support Your Gut Microbiome

1. Avoid artificial preservatives and sweeteners.
2. Avoid GMO foods, we simply do not know enough about how they affect our bodies and new research and science is showing the effects to be damaging.
3. Eat organic when possible to avoid pesticides and GMOs in foods.
4. Incorporate fermented foods and beverages into your diet (kombucha and  sauerkraut are a good start and if you need advice on making your own I am happy to share my experience and resources).
5. Avoid processed foods, which are bad for your body and your gut.
6. Avoid pharmaceutical antibiotics when possible. Antibiotics kill indiscriminately and wipe out all the bad and good bacteria. If it becomes necessary to take an antibiotic try supplementing with a probiotic.
7. Avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides which are harmful to your microbiome.
8. Avoid the use of conventional cleaning and body products which contain many toxic chemicals.
9. Eat more prebiotic foods (garlic, bananas, tomatoes, onions, asparagus).
10. Avoid conventionally farmed meat, dairy and eggs which often contain hormones, antibiotics and are fed GMO foods.
11. Get a water filter and drink plenty of water. Consuming chlorine in water can kill microbial cells.
12. Move and meditate. Walking and doing yoga are my personal favorites and they include both at the same time.
13. Spend time in diverse outdoor environments such as the woods and streams to expose your microbiome to a variety of healthy bacteria found in nature.
14. Get plenty of good sleep to allow your brain and gut time to rest and restore.