Trying to be healthier in 2024? We’re all about supporting you in that healthy goal! But prioritizing your health and well-being can mean something other than hitting the gym every day for hours or eating incredibly healthy. Instead of starting big, it’s better to start small. And by small, we’re talking microscopic: by taking care of the bacteria that live in your gut microbiome.

What Is Your Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome is a collection of microorganisms, including living bacteria, located in your digestive system. This community of microbes directly impacts your health from sustaining mood and cognitive function to regulating your body’s immune response, metabolism, and digestive health. In other words, they play a pretty big role!

By taking care of your gut’s microbiome, you are helping ensure your body is functioning at its best. But how can you take care of this collection of good bacteria in your gut? Let’s read on to find out.

5 Ways to Improve Your Gut Health & Support Your Gut Microbiome

Here are a few easy ways to support your microbiome health:

1) Increase Diet Diversity

Diet diversity involves eating various types of food to increase your nutrient intake and improve your overall health. A wide variety of foods feeds a diverse population of beneficial bacteria.

2) Reduce Stress

Your brain and gut are connected by the gut-brain axis. This is the entire network of nerves and chemicals that link your brain to your gut. If you’re feeling stressed, then your gut will experience the effects.

3) Get Moving

Studies say that exercise has many benefits for the gut microbiota. Exercise could help boost beneficial microbes, increase microbial diversity, and improve short-chain fatty acid synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.

4) Eat (Or Drink!) More Fiber

Fiber, especially prebiotic fiber, feeds the good bacteria in your gut microbiome. Not getting enough fiber in your diet could lead to digestive disorders, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

The average American consumes just 16 grams of fiber daily. That’s not nearly enough fiber! Instead, you should aim to get the expert-recommended 28 grams daily.

5) Try Prebiotic Soda

Want to add more prebiotic fiber to your diet? It’s time to drink more soda! But not just any old soda, prebiotic soda! Prebiotic soda is a healthier soda alternative packed with prebiotic fiber to support your gut. And one of the latest prebiotic sodas you’ll find in the soda aisle is OLIPOP.

OLIPOP is the first research-backed consumer beverage that brings you a digestive health solution. It’s made with functional, plant-based ingredients backed by research and has historical evidence of working to fuel your microbiome and improve your digestive health. With 9g of fiber and a diverse range of ingredients, opening a can of OLIPOP can support your gut health. Plus it helps you check off two of the other suggestions on this list as well!

Ready to take small steps in 2024 to improve your health? Give one or a few of these five gut health tips a try. And remember, one tiny step for bacteria can result in a tremendous leap in health!