Did you know that your gut is home to about 100 trillion bacteria? Some of them promote digestive health, break down nutrients, and regulate your metabolism. Others trigger inflammation, affect immune function, and contribute to weight gain.
These microorganisms form the gut microbiota. They influence whole-body health, including your energy levels, digestion, metabolism, and mental function. Even the slightest imbalance can affect your well-being.
A well-balanced diet is essential for gut health. What you eat has a direct impact on the microbiome and can either promote the formation of beneficial bacteria or allow pathogens to spread.
Interested to find out more? Here’s what you should know about the gut microflora and how it affects your health.
The Role of Gut Bacteria
Gut microbes influence every system in your body, from bowel movement to cardiovascular function. They regulate your mood and behavior as well as your immune and metabolic systems.
Some types of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus Paracasei, aid in digestion, fight inflammation, and help your body break down sugars.
This beneficial microbe occurs naturally in the human gut. It can be also obtained from probiotics, dairy foods, and fermented products like sauerkraut or kefir.
Your gut bacteria also destroys pathogens and keep them from spreading. They also play a key role in protein, glucose, and lipid metabolism.
The Bifidobacterium species, for example, are responsible for breaking down carbs. They also keep you regular and ensure proper digestion.
Bacteroides, on the other hand, helps synthesize vitamin K, B-complex vitamins, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
Gut Bacteria Support Whole Body Health
Thousands of studies confirm the relationship between gut microbes and whole-body health.
For example, researchers have found that gut flora imbalances may contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. These microorganisms modulate immune function and may protect against autoimmune diseases.
A healthy gut may lower the risk of developing cancer. In clinical trials, mice treated with Bifidobacterium, a bacteria strain, experienced an increase in antitumor activity.
If you have trouble losing weight, your gut bacteria might be the culprit. Some microbes facilitate fat loss and suppress appetite, while others promote weight gain. These effects were observed in both animal and human studies.
Research indicates suggest that manipulating the microbiota may help regulate energy balance in obese people.
Happy Gut, Happy Life
As you see, the microorganisms residing in your gut influence whole-body health. Gut bacteria do a lot more than just keep your digestive system running smoothly. They also regulate your appetite, support healthy levels, and boost immune function.
Luckily, it’s never too late to change your diet and take the steps needed to balance your gut flora. Fill up on fermented foods and cut down on sugar. Take a probiotic formula and avoid using antibiotics unless it’s really necessary.
Want more tips for a happy, healthy life? Perhaps you wonder how to get a better night’s sleep or how to lose stubborn fat and keep it off? Browse our health section to learn more!
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