We like to think about health holistically. In other words, a new chin breakout, lack of energy, and stomach bloat may all be caused by the same underlying issue. In many cases, that issue lies in the gut microbiome.

Knowing that gut health is important is one thing, but actually understanding how to maintain it is essential. To give us some inspiration, gastroenterologist Will Bulsiewicz, M.D., MSCI, shares the four things he does every morning to promote his own gut (and overall) health:

COVID-19 has turned our worlds upside down—it's been a whirlwind, to say the least. But after a few weeks of anything goes, now it's time to focus on eating and living well as we settle into our new normal.

Why focus on a better diet? Because it's something we can control. While we may not be able to predict what's happening in the world right now, we can dictate how we treat ourselves and our bodies, which will, in turn, support our immune systems, hormone levels, and sleep patterns. Here are four habits I'm telling all my patients to focus on during these days of self-isolation and shelter-in-place.

Ichigo ichie can be translated as, "Once, a meeting" and also as "In this moment, an opportunity." What this means to tell us is that each meeting, everything we experience, is a unique treasure that will never be repeated in the same way again. So if we let it slip away without enjoying it, the moment will be lost forever. 

Becoming aware of ichigo ichie helps us take our foot off the gas and remember that each morning we spend in the world, every moment we spend with our children and with our loved ones is infinitely valuable and deserves our full attention. 

These days, probiotics are as buzzy as ever thanks to their ever-expanding list of superpowers—it seems like almost everyone can benefit from them in some way.*

Probiotics help support a healthy microbiome (the delicate balance of bacteria and other microorganisms in the body), which plays a major role in everything from skin to mental health to immune function and even vaginal health.*

No matter how hard you try, it can seem impossible to avoid catching your coworker's death-rattle cough. When you come down with the cold or flu, medicine isn't the only way to get back on your feet quick. Load up on these specific foods to soothe your symptoms and boost your immune system. 

Yogurt