By now, you've probably heard about the many benefits associated with probiotics. Live microorganisms, probiotics are believed to alter the microflora in your gut, thereby aiding in digestion and promoting overall wellness. Although probiotic consumption is on the rise—the number of probiotic-using adults quadrupled between 2007 and 2012—you might be less familiar with prebiotics and postbiotics.

A healthy immune system is essential to ward off viruses, infections, and other threats. A significant share of the immune system lives in the gut, and the two are intricately linked. A healthy gut supports a healthy immune system, and gut imbalances can impair immune function.

The gut-brain connection has been subject to an explosion of research and interest over the last several years. By now, many of us are aware that such a connection exists. But how exactly are the gut and the brain connected, how do they communicate, and what does it mean for your overall well-being?