Many things can throw one’s microbiome out of kilter. Not eating enough fiber or relying too much on highly processed food can starve the “good bacteria” dwelling in your gut. Frequent and sustained antibiotic use can also unintentionally kill them off.
With today’s busy schedule, many people forgo the things that maintain good gut health. “Modern lifestyles hit the microbiome at many different angles," says Christopher Damman, a gastroenterologist at the University of Washington in Seattle.
One research bright spot? The microbiome appears to be incredibly resilient. And some straightforward dietary shifts can make an almost immediate impact.
How Long Does it Take to Improve Gut Health?
With research in the gut microbiome — the thousands of microorganisms that live in our digestive system — booming over the past decade or so, scientists have explored how gut health can impact issues like inflammation, metabolism, and immune health as well as mental health and overall well-being.
