Yes, You Are More Bacteria Than Human /
Here's What You Need to Know About Gut Health
We used to think that the digestive system was simple compared to other systems in the body -- little more than a long tube that helped the body absorb nutrients from food and flush out waste. Boy, were we wrong!
Now, we know that gut health -- more specifically, the “health” of your gut microbiome -- impacts your overall wellbeing in a number of other ways. Let's learn more about the gut microbiome:
What is the gut microbiome?
The term “gut microbiome” (also called the “gut flora”) refers to the trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms (or “microbes”) living in your body, primarily in the digestive tract. Your gut health is dependent on the balance and diversity of these microbes.
Before we get into how these microbes impact your overall health, here are a few cool things to know about your gut microbiome:
- Yes, you are more bacteria than human. There are about 40 trillion bacterial cells in your body, compared to about 30 trillion human cells.
- There can be up to 1,000 different species of bacteria in your gut microbiome.
- Together, these microbes can weigh up to 2-5 pounds.
How does the gut microbiome impact my health?
To put it simply, in order for it to function properly and do its many jobs, your gut needs to be healthy. And a healthy gut means a balanced, diverse gut microbiome. Why? Because each species of microbe has its own purpose. Without a balanced and diverse gut flora, your body may not have the bacteria that it needs to function properly.
Here’s an example: an imbalance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the gut (which is sometimes called “dysbiosis”) can interfere with the way your body digests food and absorbs nutrients. This can cause symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or weight gain.
The microbes in your gut also make up about 70% of your immune system. How? They help modulate your immune system, meaning that they help the body determine when it needs to initiate an immune response in order to protect you from sickness and disease.
In recent years, studies have also indicated that the microbes in your gut play a role in neurological function. Although researchers do not yet understand exactly how, evidence suggests that the microbes in your gut can impact your mood, stress levels and more, through what is currently being called “the microbiome-gut-brain axis.”
How do I support gut health?
There are a number of ways to support and improve gut health, from eating fiber or probiotic-rich foods, to taking gut-friendly supplements (like the Reset) with pre- and probiotics. It’s also important to do things like exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and do what you can to manage stress levels.
Let's Make it Simple /
To put it simply, a healthier gut means a healthier you, from better digestion to stronger immunity, energy levels and so much more. So when it comes to gut health, don't wait.
Resources:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312734
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325293
[4] https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-gut-health