3. Gut Feelings
2016 is the year to go with your gut: The gut-brain connection refers to the relationship of our gut's microbiome (bacteria) as our body's "second brain." Since the gut acts as our immune system's first line of defense, protecting the body's bodyguard may be linked to improving cognition and brain health, as well as decreasing risk of neurodegenerative and some autoimmune diseases.
As this is an enormously promising area of interest in the research world, expect to see continued headlines about eating food that protects, boosts, and supports your gut. While we've all heard tons about "probiotics," the friendly bacteria that lives in your gut, eat a tummy-friendly diet by focusing on foods high in prebiotics: You guessed it, veggies, fruit, and whole-grains.