It makes sense, of course; polite conversation doesn’t exactly lend itself to discussing the ins and outs (well, mostly outs) of your gut. But not talking about it means neglecting your gut health: A full 38% of women graded themselves a C, D, or F on their digestive health maintenance. And half have no idea how probiotics work. (Curious? Here’s a handy guide on how probiotics and prebiotics gussy up your gut.) The good news is that nearly three quarters of women are interested in learning more about how to improve their digestive health. While the world of gut health research is ever evolving and it’s too early to tease out cause and effect, some scientists point to a diet rich in varied vegetables as a key to a healthier, more diverse gut. “Dietary fiber is food for bacteria…and the fiber’s different in each plant,” says Jeff Leach, a graduate student at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and co-founder of the American Gut Project. Probiotics can help, too, says Prevention advisor Tieraona Low Dog, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Arizona. Trials have shown that certain supplements (check them out here) can alleviate constipation, which is the number one reason women take probiotics, according to our survey. Want to learn more? You’re in the right place. Our brand new Your Tummy Problems, Solved center is ground zero for digestive news and information, so explore it to your gut’s content.
