Microbiome

7 articles

Editorial illustration for Prebiotics, Explained: The Foods That Feed Your Gut's Good Bacteria
Eat & Drink

Prebiotics, Explained: The Foods That Feed Your Gut's Good Bacteria

Prebiotics are the foods that nourish the trillions of microbes living in your gut, helping them to grow and thrive. Unlike probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, prebiotics act as the food source for these existing gut microbes.

Javier Rodriguez·November 6, 2026
Editorial illustration for Your Gut Talks to Your Mood: The Three Pathways That Link Digestion to How You Feel
Mind & Body

Your Gut Talks to Your Mood: The Three Pathways That Link Digestion to How You Feel

The gut and brain are in constant conversation through three main pathways: nervous, endocrine, and immune/metabolic. Understanding these connections reveals how gut health, influenced by microbes and diet, directly impacts mood and mental well-being.

Javier Rodriguez·October 31, 2026
Editorial illustration for How Prebiotics and Probiotics Talk to Your Brain: Four Pathways and What the Evidence Says
Eat & Drink

How Prebiotics and Probiotics Talk to Your Brain: Four Pathways and What the Evidence Says

The gut-brain axis connects the gut and brain through four distinct biological pathways, with prebiotics and probiotics showing promise for influencing mood and cognition, though human evidence remains developing and mixed.

Javier Rodriguez·October 29, 2026
Editorial illustration for How Your Gut Talks to Your Brain: The Four Pathways Behind the Gut-Brain Axis
Mind & Body

How Your Gut Talks to Your Brain: The Four Pathways Behind the Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network linking the gut and brain via neural, hormonal, immune, and metabolic pathways. Understanding these four routes, including the vagus nerve, HPA axis, immune mediators, and microbial metabolites, is key to grasping how gut health influences mental well-being.

Javier Rodriguez·October 24, 2026
Editorial illustration for Prebiotics Explained: How Everyday Fibers Feed Your Gut's Good Bacteria
Eat & Drink

Prebiotics Explained: How Everyday Fibers Feed Your Gut's Good Bacteria

Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that selectively feed beneficial gut bacteria, acting as fertilizer for your microbiome. They are fermented into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that promote gut health, improve nutrient absorption, and support overall well-being.

Javier Rodriguez·October 23, 2026
Editorial illustration for The Gut-Brain Axis: How Your Digestive System and Brain Communicate
Mind & Body

The Gut-Brain Axis: How Your Digestive System and Brain Communicate

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network linking the digestive system and brain, influencing mood, behavior, and overall well-being. This intricate connection operates through nervous, immune, hormonal, and microbial pathways, highlighting the profound impact of gut health on mental wellness.

Javier Rodriguez·October 3, 2026
Editorial illustration for Fueling Your Gut: The Essential Role of Prebiotics in a Balanced Diet
Eat & Drink

Fueling Your Gut: The Essential Role of Prebiotics in a Balanced Diet

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively feed beneficial gut bacteria, fostering a balanced internal environment. Incorporating diverse prebiotic-rich foods into your diet is essential for supporting digestive health and overall well-being.

Javier Rodriguez·September 30, 2026