Maintaining a healthy gut is critical for immunity, digestion, disease prevention, and even mood. Here’s a list of 5 foods I recommend to patients for optimal gut health: 

1. Yogurt  : Yogurt contains live probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria. This can potentially boost the immune system and aid in disease prevention.
2. Berries: Berries are full of antioxidants (cancer preventing) and full of fiber. They act as ‘prebiotics’– food for the beneficial gut bacteria. They have anti-inflammatory properties and the fiber can promote better digestion.
3. High Fiber foods: whole grains, legumes. These foods improve digestion, increase feelings of fullness, and can even help regulate blood sugar. Legumes contain certain chemical compounds that have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer (including colon cancer).  High fiber foods can also feed the healthy gut microbes.
4. Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented pickles, miso, keffir. These are generally refrigerated with live probiotic cultures. 
5. Green tea: This drink is full of polyphenols- these compounds aid in gut health, reduce inflammation, and improve the gut microbiome.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          — Aditi Chhada, MD