You’d be amazed by what goes on inside your intestines!
Gut bacteria plays a very important role in your overall health. The millions of tiny bacteria that live in your intestines do so much more than just promote healthy digestion and absorption of food. While that is their primary purpose, they serve many functions.
For example, did you know that they are one of your body’s main defenses against disease? The majority of the threats your body faces every day comes via your food and drink. The food may be polluted with bacteria or fungi, but your gut bacteria eliminate the pathogens before they can infect your body. It’s estimated that up to 80% of your daily immune activity takes place in your gut, so you can see why these gut bacteria are so important.
They’re also incredibly fascinating! For example, did you know that they work together to help each other flourish? One 2016 study found that your gut bacteria have a very symbiotic relationship. One type of bacteria is responsible for breaking down complex carbs into nutrients that your body can absorb, and it does so at a cost to itself. But thanks to the breakdown of these complex carbs, another type of bacteria is able to flourish. The other gut bacteria benefit the first type of bacteria, and it’s a circle of life that encourages the growth of all the beneficial microbes in your intestines.
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Or, did you know that your gut bacteria can increase your chances of obesity? The bacteria that lives in your gut does more than just break down your food–they also control the way our bodies use glucose, store fat, and even cause us to respond to appetite hormones differently. Without the right balance of gut bacteria, we’re far more likely to end up overeating and thus gaining weight.
What’s so fascinating is that these gut bacteria far outnumber the cells in the human body–at least 10 microbes per human cell. That’s a lot of tiny microbes living inside our guts, and you can see why they play such important roles in our overall health. According to the Scientific American, the more diverse the bacteria, the healthier you will be. Lean people tend to have a wider diversity of microbes, while those who are overweight have fewer species living in their gut. The number of bacteria remains mostly consistent–the only thing that changes is the number of species.
So, how can you promote a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut? It’s all about your food choices!
Your bacteria feed on complex carbs, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. If you give the bacteria these nutrients, you basically promote healthy growth and reproduction of the microbes. If you eat a lot of unhealthy processed food, you’re depriving them of the nutrients they need to flourish. Those who ea a lot of junk food often have poor digestive function as a result of the lack of nutrients.
But probiotics are also an excellent choice to encourage a healthy gut bacteria balance. These foods basically contain live bacteria cultures, and these cultures are what make the foods what they are. For example, bacteria is what turns yoghurt into milk, cabbage into sauerkraut or kimchi, or soy into to miso soup. All of these foods are excellent for your health, as they promote a healthy gut bacteria balance. If you want to live a healthier, happier life, it’s in your best interest to keep the bacteria in your intestines happy and healthy as well!
