Gut Health and the Microbiome

Join biochemist Fazale “Fuz” Rana and professor of nutrition Dr. Jim Painter as they discuss how your diet shapes your body, mind, and spirit. Foods that influence your gut microbiome can noticeably affect how you feel both physically and emotionally. For example, fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains feed beneficial bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and even improve mood and energy levels. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugar, or artificial additives can disrupt the balance of gut microbes, causing bloating, sluggishness, or irritability. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi often provide probiotics that help maintain a diverse microbiome, which can make people feel lighter, more focused, and less stressed. This gut-brain connection means what you eat directly affects your digestive comfort and mental well-being.  LINKS AND RESOURCES: A Comprehensive Review of Probiotics and Human Health—Current Prospective and Applications