Everything you eat makes its way through your intestines, so it probably comes as no surprise that the food you consume can have a huge impact on the health of your gut. “The gut microbiome is crucial for overall well-being due to several functions like the development of the immune system, human metabolism and even cognitive function,” says Alma Simmons, R.D.N., L.D., CDCES, a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation are no fun,” says Anish A. Sheth, M.D., practicing Penn Medicine physician, chief of gastroenterology at Princeton Medical Center, as well as co-director of PMC's Center for Digestive Health and its GERD Program director.