You’re home to trillions of microorganisms. If you were to collectively place all these microbes on a scale, they’d weigh up to 3 pounds—as much as the average human brain! Most of these microbes reside in your gut and can affect digestion, metabolism, immune system, and weight management.

Did you know?

• Microbial diversity is key to a healthy gut
• A typical Western-style diet characterized by highly processed foods containing high amounts of sugar and solid fats and low in fiber is associated with a less microbial diversity
• Eating a varied diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and supplementing with probiotics can lead to microbial diversity associated with better health and weight management

The food you eat greatly affects the type of microbes that live inside your gut. This is because you are not only feeding yourself every time you sit down for a meal but also your resident microbes. Your body digests and absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat, but there are components in foods that your body cannot digest. When the leftover components from your meal move through your digestive system and arrive at your large intestine, those substances become fuel for the microbes that live there.

Did you know?

• Your diet is the single factor with the greatest influence on the health of your microbiome.
• There’s a notable difference in the intestinal microbiome of individuals who consume vegetarian diets compared to those who consume conventional diets that include meat.
• Consuming more fiber-rich, plant-based foods can benefit your health and support a thriving health-supporting microbiome, too.

We depend on our natural production of digestive enzymes and those produced by the microbes in our intestines to help with the breakdown of foods. These enzymes target a variety of carbohydrates, some fibers, as well as various fats and proteins. 

Did You Know?

• Because of a loss of microbial diversity associated with a Western-style diet, some of us may lack the fiber-degrading digestive enzymes to properly break down healthy foods.
• Without these bacterial enzymes for digestive support, individuals are at increased risk of digestive concerns like uncomfortable gas and bloating.
• Age, stress, prescription medications, and other factors can also make an impact on the production of digestive enzymes and can lead to digestive upset.
• Taking digestive enzymes daily can assist in restoring digestive strength and protect against potential nutrient losses from foods.