Friday, March 8, 2024

Why is Gut Health Important?

 

Everyone needs to understand the importance of gut health not only because there are trillions of  microbes in the gut  but because they play many roles in the body. This collection of microbes is called the microbiota and a person’s entire well-being depends on how well it functions..

The world we live in is full of microorganisms, so it’s natural that our body is home to some of them too. Human bodies carry millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which together create a microbiome, especially in the guts or intestines. While many of these microorganisms are associated with diseases, the majority of the ones your gut naturally supports are crucial for the proper functioning of the digestive system, the immune system, and even the nervous system.
So, keeping your gut microbiome thriving and healthy is very important for key body functions and overall health. However, there are situations where the gut microbiome can be jeopardized and its balance disrupted, which can have immense adverse effects on your health.

The microbes (gut microbiome) present in the body can also change as a person grows older. As soon as a baby enters the world, these organisms are already present. As they age, the number of microbes also increases, especially when they reach three years old. During this time, the microbiome is already similar to that of an adult.
They can also differ depending on where they thrive. The bacteria on the cheeks are different from the ones that live in the intestines, for example, the profile of the bacteria will continue to modify, but they have the tendency to dwindle in number as you age.

There is a strong connection between the gut bacteria and the Immune system. The gut flora can also influence the way the immune system behaves. These bacteria teach the immune system to learn to h. good and harmful microorganisms. This way, it doesn’t flare up or create an abnormal response every time it comes across “threats” such as dust, pollen, and other types of microbes.

The Gut Microbiome may also affect mental health.

The Effects of Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2018 reveals that this disruption in the gut microbiota is called dysbiosis, and the condition is linked to intestinal illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Moreover, the study shows that dysbiosis can also cause other issues like obesity, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular syndrome, allergies, and asthma. 

A 2019 study published in Nutrients shows that gut microbiota dysbiosis is now also linked to colorectal cancer, diabetes, and even neurological disorders. The study suggests that there are reciprocal interactions between gut microbiota and the brain - popularly known as the gut-brain axis - and changes in this interaction due to dysbiosis can trigger the onset of neurological issues. Overall, studies indicate that dysbiosis is a condition that can affect your health and quality of life immensely and should be prevented at all costs.

Read more here:

https://well.org/healthy-body/gut-health/ 

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