Follow Your Gut
March 3, 2023
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Our bodies are independent communities of microorganisms, each one completely unique from the other. Colonies of bacteria, fungi, and viruses live on our skin and within our bodies. In fact, there are more of these microorganisms than there are human cells in the body and the relationship is symbiotic, and even codependent. This is the human microbiome.
Many of these microbes live in the mucosal lining of the colon and are directly connected to the immune system. Scientific studies reveal that a diverse range of beneficial foods can improve immune function.
All of this might seem overwhelming, but one of the very practical things we can do to improve our health is to eat different things, from day to day, week to week, season to season.
Prebiotics versus probiotics
Prebiotic foods such as avocado, garlic, onions, whole grains like oatmeal, and bananas contain specialized plant fibers that feed gut microbes.
Probiotic foods contain live beneficial bacteria and yeast that can support and restore healthy gut microbes.
Prebiotic foods to support good gut microbes
Eat a diverse array of whole foods (unrefined and without artificial ingredients) and lots of fiber-rich plants. Basically, eat as many vegetables and fruits as you can. Fiber promotes growth of beneficial bifidobacteria* linked to improving immune system health.
Edible mushrooms are an excellent source of prebiotics, which nourish beneficial gut bacteria. While all edible mushroom varieties serve as rich dietary sources of fiber and plant-based protein, try varieties like shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane for the most gut-boosting benefits.
3 San Diego-based mushroom growers
Golden Mushroom Co.
Mindful Mushrooms
Mountain Meadow Mushrooms
*bifidobacteria (plural) are found in the intestinal flora of humans and produce acetic and lactic acid by fermenting carbohydrates.
Sourdough baked goods
Sourdough fermentation offers both prebiotic and probiotic benefits to eaters. Most commercial sourdough breads are made with instant yeast and artificial flavors. If you’re not up for baking it on your own, it’s best to buy from a reputable supplier that uses a natural sourdough starter.
9 real sourdough bread makers
Cook’s Gluten-Free Sourdough
» cooksglutenfreesourdough.com
Izola Artisan Bakery
Jane’s Baking Co.
Knockout Bread
Olive Baking Company
Prager Brothers
San Diego Urban Farm
Sourdough Delight
Wildwood Flour
Probiotic foods for a healthy gut
Enjoy fermented foods rich in lactobacilli (probiotics) like kimchi, tempeh, kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso. Learn to make your own fermented foods with the San Diego Fermenters Club
» fermentersclub.com
5 local fermented food makers to try
Down to Ferment
Edible Alchemy
San Diego Tempeh
Twins Kimchi
West Coast Koji
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare practitioner before making any significant dietary changes.
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About the Contributor
Maria Hesse
Edible San Diego's executive editor is a personal chef and lifestyle designer, podcaster on Modern Casserole, amateur pug photographer, grant writer for Media Arts Center San Diego, and co-author of The Intentionalist Cooks. Find her on Instagram @mariafromediblesd.
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