The human microbiome is still being studied by scientists and many new discoveries are being made. Now it is believed that the microbiome is an essential part of the human digestive system and should be cultivated consciously. It keeps the gut healthy and even gets rid of diseases.
There are about 100 trillion bacteria living inside the digestive system. These are both good and bad. Collectively, this is known as the gut microbiota or the microbiome. Understanding the gut microbiota has led to many discoveries. The good bacteria improve heart conditions, arthritis, and even cancer.
Scientists even call this microbiome the hidden organ. Yes, it is this important. Here are a few ways that it helps you and also reasons why you must take care of it.
Nutrition
Bacteria help in the absorption of nutrients from food. They break down complex molecules from food. Without gut bacteria, it would be impossible to digest plant cellulose. This bacteria also fend off infections and produces Vitamin K which is essential for blood clotting.
Gut microbes also speed up the digestive system and metabolism. If you feel full or have uncontrollable food cravings it could be because of these processes.
The kind of microbiome in the gut depends on the kind of diet we eat. It has been found that younger adults who eat a wide variety of different diets have more extensive microbiome than older people who have fixed dietary patterns.
Immunity
A human being inherits a microbiome from its mother at birth and it begins to develop the moment the child is born. It really isn’t surprising that the ecosystem of bacteria is treated as another organ by scientists anymore, is it?
These bacteria build immunity against diseases and their absence would lead to a world of diseases right from birth. They counter the effects of pathogens and pathogens themselves. Thus, the human body starts building up immunity with the help of these good bacteria.
As studied by scientists, rodents that are completely devoid of good bacteria show signs of illness. They even have an underdeveloped immune system.
The article at http://scubby.com/maintain-good-health-with-a-healthy-microbiome/ illustrates the way in which you can test the microbiome in your system. Additionally, people whose microbe system is disturbed early in life are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases and allergies.
Behavior
Believe it or not, a good digestive system also affects the brain. The functioning of the brain and the gut are directly proportionate. If your gut is experiencing problems, your brain will feel foggy and dull too. A majority of the stress hormone, Serotonin, is influenced by the gut. Problems in the gut result in an increased secretion of serotonin which leads to more stress. Mental diseases like depression, anxiety, and stress have also been linked to a bad gut
Gut microbes affect the brain in many other ways too. A direct link between bad gut and energy balance, cognitive function, and brain development. As we said, the more you know the more important it is to maintain a good microbiome.
Disease
A bad gut makes the human body prone to many diseases. Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease have been found to occur as a direct impact of a bad gut. Chronic illnesses like obesity and type 2 diabetes have been linked to a disturbed gut microbiome balance as well. The rate of metabolism is related to the health of the gut too, though changes in diet by including probiotics have reduced the overall risk of these diseases.
The excess use of antibiotics leads to bacterial infections like a yeast infection. Medicines can cause bacteria to become immune to them and cause even more infections that need different medication.
Though it is difficult to identify the bacteria that are the most beneficial for the human body, there are tests that can help you to find out if you have any disease inducing bacteria. The most effective natural way to keep a good gut is to maintain a healthy balance of fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables. Always wash fresh food before consumption. If you eat meat then ensure that it is totally cooked before eating. Maintaining hygiene is another factor that you must be a part of to help your gut keep itself clean and healthy.
Remember that just like everyone is different, so is the microbiome. But the presence of certain bacteria that work in harmony to absorb essential nutrients and fend off bad bacteria are considered to be a healthy microbiome.
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