Often regarded as harmful and disease-causing, microbes and bacteria are in fact integral to a healthy gut. The process of digestion would be incomplete without these microorganisms that form an ecosystem in the gut. Around 40 million bacteria exist in the gut which should be taken care off and maintained for a healthier you.
Some bacteria cause diseases such as inflammation and other gut problems. The growth of these bacteria is in fact due to the reduction of healthy microbes due to your food patterns. It is essential to nurture your healthy microbes with the help of a proper diet in order to remain strong and healthy and prevent sickness.
Unique Footprint
Like a fingerprint, the bacterial composition of every individual tends to be different from that of another. The composition or mix of bacteria in your gut is partially due to your mother’s microbiota which is the environment you are exposed to at birth and is highly influenced by the foods you consume and the lifestyle you lead as well.
Benefits
The bacteria in the human body are spread across but found in higher concentration in the large intestine, colon, and your entire digestive system. They do not only take care of our digestive health but immune health, metabolism and even our moods. To gain some information regarding gut health, you can do some reading at https://drlorishemek.com/6-ways-to-keep-your-gut-healthy/. In the case of people with illnesses, the bacterial footprint tends to change due to the change in the body.
Lacking a variety of bacteria or having too less or too much of a certain kind can lead to illness. Some bacteria prevent illnesses while some others can contribute to it. Hence it is essential to have a variety of bacteria in the gut to stay healthy.
Influence Of Bacteria In Diseases
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even heart disease are affected by the body’s metabolism. The metabolism of your body determines how many calories are consumed from food and the number of nutrients drawn from it. An increase in certain bacteria can cause the digestion of fibers, turning them into fatty acids.
This can further take a toll on the liver by depositing fat and leading to metabolic syndrome. This can further lead to problems like obesity and heart diseases. Diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis can form in people with a lower concentration of certain types of bacteria and hence should be kept in a lower amount by consumption of a variety of foods.
Other Risks
Other risks that can form due to an imbalanced microbial ecosystem include colon cancer. High levels of disease-causing bacteria for prolonged periods of time can lead to this scenario.
As discussed earlier, the microbes in the gut can also affect your mental health. Depression, anxiety, and autism have been linked to the gut bacteria as the gut is packed with nerve endings which communicate with the brain (gut-brain axis).
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis can have a higher amount of bacteria which are linked to problems such as inflammation as well. This is due to the fact that the chemical balance of the whole body has been imbalanced and hence it affects the gut as well.
The Solution
As discussed earlier, diet and lifestyle form an integral part of gut health. Correcting them and routing towards a healthier manner can greatly affect your digestive health. Consumption of a nutritious diet that is high in fibers from fruits and vegetables can influence your gut health.
Consuming whole grains can aid as well, as they contain certain non-digestible carbs which are broken down only in the large intestine and hence form a source of energy for the bacteria. Reducing the intake of sugars can help as well. Artificial sweeteners should be avoided in order to maintain your gut health.
Usage of antibiotics should only be done when the situation demands it as they can attack the gut microbes as well. In should also be ensured that the course of antibiotics consumed is taken on regular and prescribed intervals to ensure the effects remain positive alone. Including exercise routines into your life can encourage the growth of various gut bacteria as well.
Taking probiotics can help to increase gut health but it should be noted that you should not depend entirely on medicines for your bacterial health. The easier way is to monitor your lifestyle in order to gain results that are positive and consistent. The inclusion of fermented foods is a great way to ensure gut health as they contain healthy microbes which contribute positively.
