3 snacks that are good for your gut

We've got a gut—uh, good—feeling about these eats.

There's a reason why probiotics are all the rage these days: They help support a healthy, regular GI tract (and who doesn't want that?).

You can certainly get probiotics in a supplement, like Nature Made® Digestive Probiotics Advanced Dual Action, which contains two strains of probiotics. Still, it's always a good idea to eat foods that are full of nutrients that are good for your gut, too.

Here are three essential gut-health foods you should be adding into your snack rotation—and how to enjoy them!

Kimchi

The traditional Korean side dish of pickled cabbage is a natural probiotic. You can find it in the international section of grocery markets or at Asian specialty food stores. Try it in side salads or as a topping on fusion tacos or toast:

Kimchi Avocado Toast
Spread 1/4 avocado on top of 1 slice whole-grain toast, top with 1/4 cup kimchi, 1 1/2 tsp fresh cilantro, and 1/2 tsp sesame seeds.

Kefir

The tangy milk drink (think of it as a cousin to yogurt) is high in protein (a one cup serving has 11 to 12 grams!) and probiotics. Pour it over cereal, use it as a base in a creamy salad dressing, substitute it in place of buttermilk or yogurt when baking, or use it in a smoothie:

Kefir-Banana Smoothie

In a blender, combine 1 cup plain nonfat kefir, zest of 1 orange, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp honey, 1 1/2 tsp lime juice, 1 tsp vanilla, and 3 ice cubes and puree until thick and smooth.

Artichokes

This veggie is clutch for more than just a killer dip. It's a prebiotic, which means that it contains nutrients that feed your gut bacteria. Plus, they're high in fiber, another nutrient great for your digestive health.

Toss some artichoke hearts with whole-wheat pasta, add them on top of pizza, or try this idea for a tasty cracker topping:

Artichoke-Olive Crackers
Mix 1/4 cup minced artichoke hearts with 2 Tbsp olive tapenade. Spread on whole-grain crackers.