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Healthy aging and longevity

5 simple ways to improve gut health

It may be as easy as eating a few more fibrous foods, drinking more water, and following other healthy lifestyle habits.

  • Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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Why gut health matters

An essential aspect of gut health centers on the microbiome-the collection of all microorganisms (both good and bad, and their genes) living in your gastrointestinal tract. Most people have hundreds - or even thousands - of different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in their gut, primarily in the large intestine.

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About the Reviewer

photo of Robert H. Shmerling, MD

Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School. … See Full Bio
View all posts by Robert H. Shmerling, MD
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