Nutrition matters: how what you eat affects gut health
February 25, 2026
By: Saint Agnes Medical Center
Categories: Diet and Exercise, Gut Health, Nutrition
Tags: Diet, Energy, Mental Health, Mood, Nutrition
The power of nutrition starts with your gut
When people think about gut health, they usually think about digestion. But your gut does much more than help you process food. In fact, your gut plays a powerful role in your immune system, energy levels, and even your mood.
What you eat every day can either support your gut—or make it work harder than it should.
“Gut health is connected to many systems in the body, not just digestion. What you eat can influence how you feel day to day.” — Danielle Hovannisian, Clinical Dietitian, Saint Agnes Medical Center
Why your gut health matters
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. When these bacteria are balanced, your body functions better.
A healthy gut can help:
- Support digestion and reduce bloating
- Strengthen your immune system
- Lower inflammation in the body
- Improve energy levels
- Support mental health and mood
How food impacts your gut
The foods you eat feed the bacteria in your gut. Some foods help the good bacteria grow, while others can throw things off balance.
Foods that support gut health include:
- Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains
- Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut
- Plenty of water to help digestion move smoothly
Foods that may disrupt gut health include:
- Highly-processed foods
- Sugary snacks and drinks
- Eating irregular meals or skipping meals often
Stress and poor sleep can also affect gut health, making nutrition even more important.
Small changes in diet can make a big difference
You don't need a perfect diet to support your gut. Small, consistent changes can add up over time. Try these simple things:
- Add one high-fiber food to your meals each day
- Eat slowly and pay attention to how foods make you feel
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Choose whole foods more often when you can
“Supporting gut health doesn't mean cutting everything out," says Hovannisian. "It's about adding foods that help your body work the way it's meant to."
Take charge of your gut health
A primary care provider can help guide your nutrition and connect you with resources to support your digestive health.
Find a primary care provider