It has become popular to believe in detox diets for gut health, but science shows that quick-fix cleanses are unlikely to provide lasting benefits. These cleanses claim to remove toxins or reset the digestive system in just a few days, but research indicates they may disrupt balance or cause nutrient deficiencies, offering little to no long-term advantage for the gut microbiome. True gut health results from consistent, evidence-based habits rather than temporary fasting or cleanses.
Instead, it is important to focus on what genuinely supports the microbiome: a diverse, fiber-rich diet filled with plant-based foods, fermented options, and dietary patterns that reduce ultra-processed foods and added sugars. Polyphenols from fruits and vegetables, prebiotic fibers, and fermented foods can nourish beneficial microbes over time. Combining this with proper hydration, adequate sleep, stress management, and physical activity helps create a resilient microbial environment. InnerBuddies makes these ideas actionable through a robust toolkit: the InnerBuddies microbiome test, a white-label Gut Health Operating System that partners can use to develop their own gut testing products. This platform includes a Gut Microbiome Health Index (0–100), based on a proprietary agreement with EAFIT University in Colombia, along with insights into the top 40 bacteria and how their levels compare to a healthy cohort, plus categorized bacterial functions to assess beneficial and potentially harmful activities.
Beyond benchmarking, it translates data into science-backed, actionable guidance. It supports Target Group analyses for topics such as Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, and Skin & Hair Health, helping users identify which pathways are most relevant for their goals. It also offers personalized nutrition advice by comparing three-day food diaries with stool samples, ensuring recommendations reflect individual microbiome profiles. For ongoing support, the platform provides tailored probiotic and prebiotic guidance aligned with personal objectives, serving both consumers and businesses—the same core features powering direct-to-consumer solutions and B2B collaborations. More details on how these capabilities integrate can be found through the InnerBuddies microbiome test, with options to extend insights via the InnerBuddies Gut Health Membership, or to explore partnership opportunities through the InnerBuddies partner program.
For practical, science-based changes, it is advisable to: prioritize a varied, high-fiber plant-based diet; rotate different fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes weekly to enhance microbial diversity; include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut as tolerated; reduce ultra-processed foods and added sugars; stay well hydrated and maintain consistent meal patterns; get enough sleep and manage stress. Utilizing tools like the InnerBuddies microbiome test and joining the Gut Health Membership can make evidence-based gut care accessible. For businesses interested in offering similarly science-backed solutions, learning how to become a partner through the InnerBuddies partner program is recommended.