If I understand your question correctly @themagus I can share the following:
Things that improve the gut microbiome:
- eating a wide variety of veggies (raw and cooked are both beneficial in different ways- i.e. do both)
- eating a wide variety of fruits
- eating Omega 3 rich seeds (chia, hemp and flax)
- eating a variety of other nuts and seeds
- eating a variety of legumes (well cooked)
- eating mushrooms (cooked)
- adding herbs and spices to food
- eating fermented foods
- eating wholegrains
(Note: if someone hasn't been eating these ever/for a long time, they may need to be introduced very slowly)
More things that improve the gut microbiome:
- reducing & managing our stress well
- regular enjoyable movement/exercise
- connecting with loved ones
- being outside/ in nature/ with pets
- intermittent fasting (having a break of 13/14/15 hours between dinner and breakfast)
- chewing our food well
- being relaxed/calm when eating
Things that harm the gut microbiome:
- exposure to antibiotics (directly and through food consumed)
- eating a lack of diversity of plant foods
- eating fried foods
- eating refined sugars
- eating animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) - the more we eat, the worse it is
- eating processed foods
- exposure to chemicals and other toxins
- alcohol consumption - the more we drink, the worse it is
- stress (mental, emotional - which both cause physical)
As I share these lists @themagus I'm hoping this is what you were after. AND let me say this (as it can be a bit overwhelming at first if this is all new information):
Small changes can make big impacts on our gut health
AND
we don't need to be perfect.
I've chosen to focus on increasing my plant food variety. This gives me a focus on what I'm ADDING (rather than what I'm missing out on) and I've turned it into a game.
If you meant something different by your question, please feel free to ask me again a different way. Hope that helps!
RE: How important are the microbes in our gut?