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Gut health is at the very core of our immunity, vitality and mental agility. Studies have shown that maintaining a “healthy gut,” or balanced intestinal microbiome, can help facilitate proper immune function, supports mental health, improve anxiety and keep chronic diseases at bay, just to name a few. It’s really an incredible ecosystem that supports health on so many levels. While genetics and environment certainly play a role, the good news is that much of the work to balance this important microbiome can be done through diet and lifestyle changes. In order to support a healthy microbiome, you can consume a vast array of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fiber and reduce consumption of foods that cause inflammation, like fried foods, packaged foods and alcohol. I also believe that probiotics, microorganisms that you can get from fermented foods or from supplements, and prebiotics, a type of fiber that feeds probiotics, are crucial tools in supporting gut health. Different probiotic and prebiotic supplements contain different strains and amounts, so you would definitely want to speak with your health care provider about choosing the right one for you. The microbiome is actually an amazing example of how all of the systems in the human body are interconnected, reinforcing how important it is to approach your overall health from a holistic perspective. —Serena Poon, Nutritionist and Founder & CEO Just Add Water.