Feed Your Friendly Microbes! Did you know that polyphenols, those vibrant plant compounds found in colorful fruits, veggies, herbs, and teas are microbiome magic? Polyphenols don’t just act as antioxidants. In fact, most of them aren’t absorbed in the small intestine. Instead, they travel down to your colon, where your friendly bacteria feast on them and turn them into powerful, health-boosting metabolites! Here’s what happens when you feed your friendly microbes' polyphenols: - They reduce intestinal inflammation. - Help heal leaky gut and strengthen the intestinal lining. - Support the growth of key beneficial strains like Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Bifidobacteria. - Produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which fuels your colon cells. - Regulate your immune system and help protect against chronic disease. Top Polyphenol-Rich Foods to Feed Your Microbiome: - Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries - Green tea, black tea - Dark chocolate (85%+ cacao) - Pomegranate, cranberry, and black grapes - Olives and extra virgin olive oil - Herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, whole cloves - Purple sweet potatoes, red cabbage - Tartary buckwheat, flaxseeds Tip: Pair polyphenols with prebiotic fiber (like PHGG, resistant starch, or soaked chia) to supercharge your intestinal-healing process! The Nourish & Flourish program is packed with delicious polyphenol-rich meals to restore your intestinal lining, energize your cells, and bring your body back into balance. Let’s turn your food into your Inner-Eco pharmacy...starting with polyphenols. Please post and let me know which polyphenols you have included in your diet today.