In order to understand the role of food in gut health you first need to become acquainted with the microbiome. There is a lot of hype surrounding the microbiome. In fact, it has even been labeled as a supporting organ because it plays so many key roles in promoting the smooth daily operations of the body! The microbiome contains trillions of different species of microorganisms (a.k.a. microbiota or microbes) that are both helpful and potentially harmful. These include bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that are found mostly in the small and large intestines but also throughout the rest of the body. Most are symbiotic (where both the body and microbiota benefit) and some, in smaller quantities, are pathogenic (promoting disease) (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2020). 

It’s certainly possible to create nutritious meals using the ingredients mentioned in our previous post. However, you can level-up meals by stocking your pantry with the following items that might not yet be considered staples but hopefully will be soon as more people understand (and feel) the effects of eating nutrient-dense foods.