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Your gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus, is a driving force in your health -- or in the development of all sorts of chronic and acute conditions. When your gastrointestinal microbiomes are out of balance, they can contribute to GERD, constipation, IBD and IBS, prediabetes/diabetes, depression, obesity, some cancers, dementia and more.

But how do you know if you have a healthy gastrointestinal tract? Well, you may be surprised by what may signal an out-of-balance biome and other digestive problems. In addition to gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation and/or diarrhea, an out-of-balance gastro-system can trigger persistent fatigue, food sensitivities, auto-immune-associated skin problems like eczema and rosacea, and problems with memory and mood.

If you have any of these symptoms, you can take steps to restore balance to your system -- and better health throughout your body.

Step 1: Eat a good daily supply of prebiotics in unrefined, high-fiber foods like 100% whole grains (three servings), legumes and fruits and vegetables (seven servings).

Step 2: Enjoy foods that deliver healthy microbes to your system, like yogurt (unsweetened), kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut and miso soup. If you take probiotic supplements, Lactobacillus acidophilus, rhamnosus, casei and plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum and breve are well-studied and recommended.

For chronic gastro-woes, make sure to consult your doctor. There are helpful medical remedies available. And for more info on protecting your digestive tract, check out my book "What to Eat When" and read "Probiotics Increase Happiness for those with Depression?" from my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.