Keeping your GI tract healthy is a great way to start 2026.
SAN ANTONIO — The new year is just hours away, and many of us have set New Year’s resolutions. And many of those goals for 2026 focus may focus on your body, starting with your diet and lifestyle.
We’ve all heard the phrase you are what you eat. And since we do a lot of eating around the holidays, now the time to think about what you are putting in your belly, because it not only affects your stomach, but the rest of your body too.” Dr. Jason Rocha, a gastroenterologist with UT Health San Antonio told us, “We are what we eat is very true. Probably the relationship has to do with hormones in the gut. And, these hormones are also affected by the gut microbiome.”
The gut microbiome is made up of, fungi, viruses, and bacteria, that are inside of our intestines. You’re in control of all of them. Dr. Rocha said, “They actually modulate these hormones based on how they’re feeling as well. And we can help modulate that based on our diet.”
A 2023 survey from Forbes Health/OnePoll of 1,000 U.S. adults looked at attitudes surrounding making resolutions. It found 32% of people cited improved diet as a top resolution, with about the same percentage, 34%, saying their goal was to lose weight. Dr. Rocha added, “A good New Year’s resolution would be to eat more fiber and, less omega six fat, and more healthy fats, also known as omega three fats.” That would include fatty fish, eggs, milk, yogurt and many nuts like walnuts.
Experts say to start the new year off right, focus on connections with people, not food. And when adjusting your diet, make your goals attainable.” Dr. Aimee Dyes, a health coach from Teladoc Health said, “Getting control of those behaviors now can just make it easier. As we know, those small changes add up to bigger results. So just a small tweak and change right now can actually lead to even greater success.”