Your gut microbiome is begging for more dirt, more hugs — and a whole lot less disinfectant.

That’s according to Dr. Wendy Johnson , a family physician, writer and public health professor, who warns that if you’re not nurturing the bacteria in your belly like a garden, you could be setting yourself up for serious trouble.

“We depend on our microbiome for critical functions that our own digestive system can’t perform alone,” she told The Post. 5

That includes breaking down fiber, regulating metabolism, supporting nutrient absorption, synthesizing vitamins, controlling inflammation and fighting off pathogens. Your gut even has a direct line to your brain chemistry.

So when your microbiome gets thrown off balance, the fallout can ripple through your entire body.

“An unhealthy mic

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