Gut health has become a major topic in wellness, influencing everything from grocery choices to discussions on social media. Research increasingly shows the gut microbiome’s role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. But with so much information available, it’s hard to separate science from trend. In this episode, I talk with Kristina Campbell, a science writer known for her expertise in the microbiome. As the author of Gut Health for Dummies, Kristina shares practical, research-based insights to help readers understand what gut health really involves — and how to make confident, informed choices.

Topics covered in this episode:

• How Kristina got interested in microbiology and her path to becoming a science writer and gut health ambassador
• What is gut health and how does it relate to the gut microbiome?
• What does the gut microbiome do for us?
• What motivated Kristina to write Gut Health for Dummies
• How lifestyle factors can impact gut health
• How diet impacts gut health
• Overview of “Biotics” - probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics
• A common myth about probiotics
• Why microbes can’t necessarily be labeled strictly as good and bad
• Gut health trends
• How to assess scientific information
• At-home microbiology activity: Kid-Friendly Gut Health Activity: Make Your Own Emulsifier-Free Dressing

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