We know that an impaired gut microbiome can be triggered by a number of things. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ These include a high-sugar, high-fat, low-fiber diet; impaired immunity; use of drugs, like antibiotics, birth control pills, and estrogen; and psychological stress.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Refined grains, and highly processed foods convert to sugar when we eat them and SUGAR is what FEEDS the bad bacteria. Anti-inflammatory medications, acid-blockers and antibiotics have been proven to lower the biodiversity of the gut flora. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ A study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection showed that the biodiversity was significantly lower in the participants taking more than one of these medications. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ The great news is that the gut microbiome can be healed. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ You can start healing your gut by first removing the bad and adding in the good stuff. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Good bacteria love healthy whole, organic, plant-based foods, ones that are high in fiber and nutrients and contain no artificial ingredients. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Focus on fibrous foods such as cruciferous vegetables, berries, garlic, onions, lentils, nuts and seeds, avocado oil, and olive oil. And supplement with probiotics. ⁣