A stare at humans’ Gut Microbiota!
Hang on, aren’t microbes supposed to be dangerous? No, in fact, most of them don’t harm you at all. Unfortunately, we often think of microbes in negative terms. Let’s now probe the power of the gut microbiota. The intestine is home to the largest population of microorganisms in the human body. Gut microbiota is a diverse and complex community of microorganisms that live in a person’s gastrointestinal tract. Did you know that each person’s gut microbiota is unique? Yes, they vary from one another. The gut microbiota was previously referred to as the “microflora of the gut”. The microbiota is composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes that live in the pocket of your large intestine known as the “cecum”.
Unfolding of the gut microbiota —
Human gut microbial colonization begins at birth. Although the infant’s intestines are considered to be sterile or contain very few microbes at birth, the gastrointestinal tract quickly colonizes during and after delivery. The infant gut microbiota is established immediately after birth by exposure to microbes from the maternal birth canal, maternal skin biota and the environment, and it eventually develops into an adult-like gut microbiota. The gut microbiota exists in a symbiotic relationship with the human digestive system: the human intestine provides nutrients to the resident bacteria, while the bacteria aid in food digestion and absorption, generate energy and regulate immune system function.
Gut microbiota’s obligation —
The metabolism of the body is influenced by gut microbes. They support metabolism by ensuring digestion, absorbing nutrients from food particles, and using those nutrients for energy and normal body functions. Non-digestible carbohydrates such as resistant starches, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and gums, are broken down by the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota converts primary bile acids to secondary bile acid metabolites. Gut bacteria can synthesize both essential and non-essential amino acids as well as a variety of vitamins. The gut microbiome also has an impact on the immune system. By communicating with immune cells, the gut microbiome can influence how your body responds to infection. Certain microbes can help the brain produce chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Serotonin, for example, is an antidepressant neurotransmitter that is primarily produced in the gut.
Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance of healthy and unhealthy microbes. The microbiome can also have an impact on gut health and may play a role in intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Bloating, cramping and abdominal pain are all symptoms of gut dysbiosis. This is because microbes produce a lot of gas and other chemicals, which contribute to intestinal discomfort symptoms.
Diverse foods: The strategy to boost gut microbiota —
Surprisingly, the food you eat influences the diversity of your gut microbiota. A varied diet rich in whole foods can result in a diverse microbiome that helps the gut microbes to function in a better way. Fiber promotes the development of beneficial gut bacteria. As we all know, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber. Since the good bacteria in your gut feed on fiber, the more fiber you consume, the better bugs you will have! Prebiotic plant fibers, in particular, are prioritized by your gut bacteria. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that serves as a food source for the healthy bacteria in your gut. They’re mostly made up of fiber or complex carbohydrates that human cells can’t digest. Instead, gut bacteria degrade them and use them as fuel. Prebiotics are abundant in foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes. They can benefit the gut microbiome by enhancing its function and reducing the abundance of disease-causing bacteria in the intestines.
Probiotics: The key ingredient —
Probiotics, on the other hand, are live microorganisms that, when consumed, are considered to provide health benefits by improving or restoring the gut microbiota. They are common in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, cheese, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Probiotics, in most cases, inhibit the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine, helps in the formation of a healthy intestinal mucosa protective layer, and boost the host immune system. They benefit your general health by altering the microbiome’s overall composition and assisting your metabolism. Eventually, physical activity can improve health in a variety of ways, including proactively influencing gut health. It can also promote the growth and functionality of gut bacteria, as well as overall health.
The gut microbiome refers to all of the microbes that live in your intestines and act as an additional organ vital to your health. The gut microbiota helps with a variety of bodily functions, including energy extraction from non-digestible food components metabolism, host defense against pathogenic invasion and immune system modulation. Changes in the microbiota composition can have an impact on these functions. While beneficial bacteria live in the gut, harmful bacteria can enter and infect the gastrointestinal tract. The majority of the microbes are necessary for your health, while others can also be harmful. Having a more diverse gut microbiota may promote better health and as a result, lower your risk of disease. Include fiber- rich foods, probiotics and prebiotics foods in your diet for a healthy gut as well as a healthier lifestyle! 😇
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566439/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307998
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/improve-gut-bacteria
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-your-gut-bacteria-say-your-health
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health
