10 Natural Steps to Improve Gut Health & Microbiome in 2026
10 Steps to Improve Gut Health Naturally: Nourish Your Second Brain Your gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in your digestive tract—is often called your "second brain." It influences digestion, immunity (about 70% of your immune system resides here), mood via the gut-brain axis, and even chronic disease risk. An imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis) can contribute to bloating, fatigue, weakened immunity, and inflammation. The great news? You can support it naturally—no fancy supplements required. Start with these 10 practical steps, backed by science from sources like Harvard Health, Stanford research on fermented foods, and recent microbiome advances. 1. **Load Up on Fiber-Rich Foods** Fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and helping them produce short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation and strengthen the gut lining. Aim for 25–38 grams daily from whole sources: fruits (berries, apples), vegetabl...
