Monkey see, monkey do. How do chimps guts compare to humans?

Eating well is so easy, a monkey could do it.

Actually, according to a new finding, monkeys do do it—a lot better than we do, in fact.

A recent study done at the University of Texas at Austin determined that human gut bacteria are way less diverse than apes’. The researchers found that people in the U.S. have gut microbiomes that are 70 percent different than those of chimpanzees.

I’ve spoken many times about the extreme importance of having diverse gut bacteria. Research has routinely shown that people who have it are healthier, leaner, and possess better metabolism. And not having diverse gut bacteria can increase your risk of autoimmune diseases, asthma, colon cancer and more.

So why are human guts getting so one-note—especially in this country? First is diet: we’re eating more meat and fewer plants (heaven forbid fresh veggies show up at those god-forsaken huge buffet chains). Other factors range from the widespread use of antibiotics (don’t get me started…) to an increasing amount of time spent indoors.

Some of these factors—like eating a healthy diet—are ones we can control. But some of them aren’t. Which is just one of the reasons why I recommend a good, quality probiotic supplement to every person who sets foot in my office. One that has multiple strains of live bacteria. Think of it as healthy “evolution” for your gut.