1. The human gut contains microbes that are largely determined by diet and can affect health. The standard American diet of highly processed foods leads to microbial imbalance. 2. The standard American diet focuses on refined grains, added sugars, processed vegetable oils, and genetically modified foods. It also contributes to environmentally damaging agricultural practices. 3. While some "health foods" claim to be better, many are still highly processed and contain added sugars or poor quality ingredients under misleading labels. Making home cooked meals from whole foods is recommended for optimal health and sustainability.