How to Cook a Gut-Healthy Dinner—and Why It's So Important for Your Overall Health

Gut-healthy nutrition tips and flavorful dinner ideas to inspire your next dish.

Experts are continually touting the importance of maintaining a healthy gut, but why does it matter so much?

Why Is Gut Health So Important?

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Photo:Antonis Achilleos

The balance andwell-being of the gut microbiomehas been found to impact several different systems throughout the body.

It also helps the gastrointestinal system detox any unwanted chemicals or toxins from food.

An essential function of the gut is to promote ahealthy immune system.

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Cara Cormack

A healthy, thriving biome promotes healthy immunity by maintaining an optimal ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria.

This decreases the odds that the harmful ones can take hold and make you sick.

Plus, the gut microbiome regulates many different types of immune cells throughout the body.

Seared Fish Tacos With Marinated Peppers

These five dinner ideas combine various (or all!)

gut-healthy nutrients to create delicious meals you and your family will want to add to your regular rotation.

The tang of the probiotic-rich kimchi elevates every savory bite of rice.

Sheet Pan Salmon With Potatoes and Broccolini

Victor Protasio

Fish tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and any fish will do here.

Other gut-healthy fish taco accompaniments?

Try a zesty probiotic slaw, or serve alongside abig batch of black beanswith tons of protein and fiber.

Hello, miso marinade!

Salmon is a highly anti-inflammatory food due to its omega-3 content.