How do you know if your gut is the problem? If you experience bloating, gas, heartburn, and other stomach upsets, chances are your gut may be contributing to your skin concerns, too. Gut health and acne, as well as other skin diseases, are more related than we ever knew. Inflammation occurs when normal microorganisms in your gut, known as gut microbiota, change, trigger breakouts, eczema, psoriasis, and more. Wondering, "What should I eat to improve gut health?" here are some of the top foods to get your skin and stomach looking and feeling better:

1. Almonds - Eat a handful of these high-fiber nuts daily to increase the production of a short-chain fatty acid (butyrate) that promotes gut health. Gut bacteria produce butyrate, which encourages the growth of villi lining your intestines, enhancing the production of the gel-like coating (mucin) within your gut that aids digestive health. Just don't eat too many almonds due to the high fat content.

2. Go Bananas - Consuming one to two bananas daily can improve gut health. Inulin, a prebiotic fiber in bananas, spurs good bacteria growth by developing a microbiome that fuels gut bacteria. Other foods high in inulin are beneficial as well! Fructooligosaccharides (say that three times fast!) in bananas also encourage the growth of good gut bacteria. This calorie-free soluble dietary fiber, with a prebiotic effect, also improves the absorption of minerals while decreasing cholesterol levels and constipation. Bananas restore electrolytes, are gentle on the stomach, and easily broken down, making them ideal for practically everyone!

3. Ginger - This superfood, known to relieve upset stomaches and other digestive issues, contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant Gingerol that helps restore gut balance. Ginger reduces heartburn and promotes digestion, meaning food doesn’t linger in the gut for extended periods. It may also aid in congestion and weight loss, which hints at why gut health and weight loss are often connected. Start your day drinking hot water with chopped ginger or ask your doctor about taking ginger supplements.

4. Yogurt - This probiotic-rich food helps balance the normal bacteria in the gut, aiding bloating, digestion, and other gut issues. It also enhances the immune system and improves the absorption of vital nutrients from food. Verify that your yogurt contains live bacteria and has minimal sugar for the best results.

5. Lentils - These nutrient-rich legumes are excellent for gut health, providing resistant starches (carbohydrates that don't break down into sugar and aren’t absorbed by the small intestine.) They ferment in the colon, where they decrease the pH level, creating an environment where "good" bacteria thrive. They also provide B vitamins and minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc) essential for healthy skin and bodies. Combine the almonds, banana, ginger, and yogurt in a breakfast smoothie to start your day skin smart! And for lunch or dinner, try the lentils in pasta, salads, and soup, or as a satisfying side dish.