Pickles Have Gone Viral On TikTok — Here's Why They're Gut-Friendly

Pickles are having a moment. Don't believe us? Just head to TikTok where the fermented cucumber has found itself at the center of several trends, from adding a ranch seasoning packet to the pickle jar to the rise of spicy bagged pickles. If you're not a pickle person, feel free to sit this one out, but this crispy and refreshing snack or side is actually packed with some hidden health benefits—particularly if you make them at home. 

While the trend is certainly not the strangest the internet has ever seen (cinnamon challenge, anyone?), it does draw into question what the implications of regularly eating pickles might be. The good news is, your gut may thank you.

So you'll want to turn over that jar and look at the "Ingredients" list to be sure. "I shop at Publix a lot because I live in the Southeast, so their GreenWise dill spears are my favorite. For longtime national brands, Mt. Olive offers high-quality pickle varieties as well," Ferira adds.

Caring for your gut should be a priority in the day-to-day, so while you're munching away on homemade pickles (check out our guide for making them yourself) or those clean pickle recommendations Ferira served up, here are some other healthy habits you can integrate into your routine to make sure you're feeling your best from the inside out: 

It's no secret that vegetables contain a wide range of essential nutrients, so it would stand to reason that prioritizing these foods within your regular eating habits would make a world of difference to the gut. "A plant-based diet means more fiber and—let me tell you—we need it," gastroenterologist Will Bulsiewicz, M.D., MSCI, previously told mbg. Good news: Pickles count!

Not only is working out excellent for building muscle and bone strength and improving your cardiovascular health—studies have even shown that staying active can also help diversify the gut microbiome1. That's right, the benefits of your hot girl walk are plentiful.

In order to take your gut health routine to the next level, a targeted supplement such as mbg's probiotic+ is an excellent way to nourish your body with good bacteria.* Formulated with four targeted strains that have been clinically shown to support gut health, this probiotic aids in daily functions of the digestive system while promoting abdominal comfort and regularity.* Daily probiotic and a pickle? An unstoppable combination.

If you're on board the pickle train alongside the rest of TikTok, for the sake of your gut, consider seeking out fermented cucumbers for some awesome health benefits. While they may not be spicy like the viral variation, your gut will certainly thank you.