---
name: gut-health-optimizer
description: |
  Evidence-based microbiome optimization through prebiotics, probiotics, fermented foods, fiber diversity, elimination diets, and lifestyle factors for digestive wellness.
  Use when the user asks about gut health optimizer, or needs help with evidence-based microbiome optimization through prebiotics, probiotics, fermented foods, fiber diversity, elimination diets, and lifestyle factors for digestive wellness.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional medical advice or falls outside the scope of gut health optimizer.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "health-wellness nutrition guide"
  category: "health-wellness"
  subcategory: "preventive-health"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "not-medical-advice"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Gut Health Optimizer

> **Disclaimer:** This skill provides general wellness and health information for educational purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, starting a new fitness program, or changing your diet. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.

> **HEALTH DISCLAIMER**: This guide provides general educational information about digestive health and nutrition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have diagnosed digestive conditions (IBS, IBD, SIBO, celiac disease, etc.), are taking medications, or experience persistent digestive symptoms, consult a gastroenterologist or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. Elimination diets should ideally be supervised by a healthcare professional.

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about gut health optimizer
- User needs guidance on gut health optimizer topics
- User wants a structured approach to gut health optimizer

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Microbiome Fundamentals

### What Lives in Your Gut

Your gastrointestinal tract hosts approximately 38 trillion microorganisms, collectively weighing 2-5 pounds. This ecosystem includes:

- **Bacteria**: 500-1000+ species, dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla
- **Fungi**: Including Candida, Saccharomyces species
- **Archaea**: Methane-producing organisms
- **Viruses**: Bacteriophages that regulate bacterial populations

### Why Microbiome Diversity Matters

Higher microbial diversity consistently correlates with better health outcomes. A diverse microbiome:

- Produces a wider range of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
- Provides greater immune system training and regulation
- Offers more robust resistance to pathogenic colonization
- Supports broader nutrient synthesis (vitamins K, B12, folate, biotin)
- Maintains intestinal barrier integrity (preventing "leaky gut")

### The Gut-Brain Axis

The bidirectional communication pathway between gut and brain involves:
- Vagus nerve signaling (the primary physical connection)
- Neurotransmitter production: ~95% of serotonin is produced in the gut
- Immune system modulation affecting neuroinflammation
- Microbial metabolites crossing the blood-brain barrier

This explains documented connections between gut health and mood, anxiety, cognition, and sleep quality.

## The 30-Plant Challenge

Research from the American Gut Project found that people who consumed 30+ different plant foods per week had significantly more diverse microbiomes than those eating fewer than 10.

### How to Count

Each distinct plant counts as one. "Plant foods" include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains (each grain type counts separately)
- Legumes and pulses
- Nuts and seeds
- Herbs and spices
- Teas and coffee

### Weekly Plant Diversity Tracker

```
Week of: ___________

Vegetables:     [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Fruits:         [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Grains:         [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Legumes:        [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Nuts/Seeds:     [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Herbs/Spices:   [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Total unique plants this week: _____
Target: 30+
```

### Quick Diversity Boosters
- Add mixed seeds to salads (pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, flax = 4 plants)
- Use herb combinations in cooking (basil, oregano, thyme = 3 plants)
- Choose mixed nut packs over single-nut bags
- Add berries to breakfast (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries = 3 plants)
- Use grain rotation: rice one day, quinoa next, oats next

## Fiber: The Foundation

### Types and Sources

**Soluble Fiber** (fermented by gut bacteria, produces SCFAs)
- Oats, barley, legumes, apples, citrus, psyllium
- Benefits: Feeds beneficial bacteria, slows digestion, supports blood sugar

**Insoluble Fiber** (adds bulk, promotes motility)
- Whole wheat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, potato skins
- Benefits: Prevents constipation, supports regular bowel movements

**Resistant Starch** (resists digestion, acts as prebiotic)
- Cooked and cooled potatoes/rice/pasta, green bananas, legumes
- Benefits: Powerful SCFA producer, especially butyrate

### Fiber Targets

| Population | Daily Target |
|-----------|-------------|
| Adult women | 25-28g minimum |
| Adult men | 31-38g minimum |
| Optimal for microbiome | 40-50g |
| Current US average | ~15g (critically low) |

### Increasing Fiber Safely
**Critical rule**: Increase fiber gradually (5g per week) to avoid bloating, gas, and discomfort.

**Week 1**: Add 1 serving of legumes per day
**Week 2**: Switch to whole grains at all meals
**Week 3**: Add 2 additional servings of vegetables
**Week 4**: Add nuts, seeds, or berries as snacks
**Ongoing**: Continue expanding variety

**Hydration**: Increase water intake proportionally with fiber. Fiber without adequate water causes constipation.

## Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotics are specific fibers and compounds that selectively feed beneficial bacteria.

### Top Prebiotic Sources

| Food | Key Prebiotic | Effective Serving |
|------|--------------|-------------------|
| Garlic | Inulin, FOS | 1-2 cloves raw/cooked |
| Onion | Inulin, FOS | 1/2 cup cooked |
| Leeks | Inulin | 1/2 cup cooked |
| Asparagus | Inulin | 6-8 spears |
| Jerusalem artichoke | Inulin (very high) | 1/2 cup |
| Chicory root | Inulin (highest food source) | In supplements/coffee substitutes |
| Dandelion greens | Inulin | 1 cup raw |
| Bananas (slightly green) | Resistant starch, FOS | 1 medium |
| Oats | Beta-glucan | 1/2 cup dry |
| Flaxseeds | Mucilage, lignans | 1-2 tablespoons ground |
| Cocoa/dark chocolate | Polyphenols | 1-2 squares (70%+ cacao) |

### Polyphenol-Rich Foods (Prebiotic Effect)
Polyphenols are selectively metabolized by beneficial bacteria:
- Berries (especially blueberries, blackberries)
- Red wine (moderate), green tea, coffee
- Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red cabbage, purple sweet potato

## Probiotic Foods and Supplements

### Fermented Foods (Food-First Approach)

The Stanford SONC study (2021) found that a high-fermented-food diet increased microbiome diversity more than a high-fiber diet over 10 weeks.

**Target**: 2-3 servings of fermented foods daily

| Food | Key Organisms | Serving |
|------|--------------|---------|
| Plain yogurt (live cultures) | Lactobacillus, Streptococcus | 1 cup |
| Kefir | 30+ strains | 1 cup |
| Sauerkraut (raw, refrigerated) | Lactobacillus | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Kimchi | Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Kombucha | SCOBY organisms | 8 oz |
| Miso | Aspergillus oryzae | 1 tablespoon |
| Tempeh | Rhizopus oligosporus | 3-4 oz |
| Natto | Bacillus subtilis | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar (with mother) | Acetobacter | 1 tablespoon diluted |

**Important**: "Fermented" on a label does not guarantee live cultures. Look for:
- "Contains live and active cultures"
- Refrigerated section (shelf-stable fermented foods are often pasteurized)
- No vinegar added (vinegar-brined cucumbers are not truly probiotic)

### Probiotic Supplements

**When Supplements Make Sense**
- After antibiotic courses (start during or immediately after)
- Specific diagnosed conditions with strain-specific evidence
- Travel to regions with unfamiliar pathogens
- When fermented food intake is consistently low

**Evidence-Based Strain Matching**

| Condition | Strains with Evidence |
|-----------|----------------------|
| Antibiotic-associated diarrhea | Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG |
| IBS (general) | Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, VSL#3 multi-strain |
| Constipation | Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 |
| Immune support | Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. paracasei |
| Mood/anxiety | Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 + B. longum R0175 |

**Supplement Quality Checklist**
- [ ] Third-party tested (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab)
- [ ] CFU count guaranteed through expiration (not at manufacture)
- [ ] Specific strains identified (not just species)
- [ ] Appropriate storage (many require refrigeration)
- [ ] No unnecessary fillers or allergens

## Elimination Diet Protocol

### When to Consider
- Persistent bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation
- Suspected food sensitivities
- Skin conditions (eczema, acne) potentially linked to diet
- Brain fog, fatigue, or joint pain without clear cause

### The Protocol

**Phase 1: Elimination (2-4 weeks)**
Remove the most common trigger foods simultaneously:
- Gluten-containing grains
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Soy
- Corn
- Refined sugar
- Alcohol
- Caffeine (reduce gradually to avoid withdrawal)
- Processed foods and additives

**Allowed Foods**
- All vegetables (except corn)
- All fruits
- Rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, oats (certified GF)
- All meats, poultry, fish (unprocessed)
- Nuts and seeds (except peanuts)
- Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil
- Herbs and spices
- Herbal teas

**Phase 2: Reintroduction (6-8 weeks)**
Reintroduce ONE food group every 3 days:
1. Day 1: Eat the food 2-3 times throughout the day
2. Day 2-3: Remove it and observe
3. Record all symptoms in a food diary
4. If no reaction, move to next food group
5. If reaction occurs, remove the food and wait until symptoms clear before testing next

**Reintroduction Order** (least to most commonly reactive):
1. Eggs
2. Dairy (start with butter, then yogurt, then cheese, then milk)
3. Gluten-containing grains
4. Soy
5. Corn
6. Refined sugar
7. Alcohol / caffeine

### Food and Symptom Diary Template

```
Date: ___________
Foods eaten:
  Breakfast: _________________________
  Lunch: ____________________________
  Dinner: ___________________________
  Snacks: ___________________________

Symptoms (rate 0-3: none, mild, moderate, severe):
  Bloating: ___   Gas: ___   Pain: ___
  Diarrhea: ___   Constipation: ___
  Nausea: ___   Reflux: ___
  Energy: ___   Brain fog: ___
  Skin: ___   Joint pain: ___
  Mood: ___   Sleep quality: ___

Reintroduction food tested: ________________
Reaction: [ ] None  [ ] Mild  [ ] Moderate  [ ] Severe
Notes: _________________________________
```

## Lifestyle Factors Affecting Gut Health

### Sleep
- Disrupted sleep alters microbiome composition within 48 hours
- Circadian rhythm disruption reduces beneficial Lactobacillus species
- Target: 7-9 hours consistent sleep, regular sleep/wake times

### Stress Management
- Chronic stress reduces microbiome diversity via cortisol and sympathetic nervous system activation
- The gut-brain axis makes stress and gut health bidirectional
- Effective interventions: meditation, breathwork, time in nature, social connection

### Exercise
- Moderate exercise increases microbiome diversity
- Excessive intense exercise without recovery can increase intestinal permeability
- Optimal: 150-300 minutes moderate activity per week

### Medications to Be Aware Of
- **Antibiotics**: Most significant disruptor; take probiotics during and 2 weeks after courses
- **NSAIDs** (ibuprofen, naproxen): Can increase intestinal permeability
- **PPIs** (omeprazole, etc.): Alter gut pH, reduce diversity
- **Artificial sweeteners**: Some evidence of microbiome disruption (sucralose, saccharin)

## Gut Health Red Flags (See a Doctor)

Seek professional evaluation for:
- Blood in stool
- Unintentional weight loss
- Persistent change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever accompanying digestive symptoms
- Family history of colorectal cancer or IBD
- Symptoms starting after age 50

## Weekly Gut Health Action Plan

**Daily Non-Negotiables**
- [ ] 2-3 servings of fermented foods
- [ ] 5+ servings of vegetables/fruits (diverse colors)
- [ ] Adequate hydration (half body weight in ounces)
- [ ] Fiber-rich food at every meal

**Weekly Goals**
- [ ] 30+ different plant foods consumed
- [ ] Cook with prebiotic-rich foods (garlic, onion, leeks) 4+ times
- [ ] At least 1 legume-based meal
- [ ] Minimize processed food to less than 20% of intake
- [ ] 150+ minutes of moderate physical activity

**Monthly Review**
- [ ] Assess digestive symptom trends
- [ ] Review and expand plant food variety
- [ ] Try one new fermented food or recipe
- [ ] Evaluate stress management practices
- [ ] Consider food diary review for pattern identification


## Output Format

```
GUT HEALTH OPTIMIZER OUTPUT
===========================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with gut health optimizer"

**Output:** A structured gut health optimizer plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
