The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria that reside in our digestive systems, specifically in our intestines. These microorganisms have established a symbiotic relationship with us, deriving benefits from our gut environment and providing us with digestive advantages in turn. Nestled in our gut, the bacteria help us break down carbohydrates like starches and fiber that our bodies cannot easily digest on their own. They also possess key enzymes needed to synthesize vitamin K and B vitamins. Overall, they play a crucial role in proper digestion and GI function, but that's not all… The Gut-Brain AxisRecent research has revealed the capacity of our gut bacteria to impact our brain health. As its name suggests, the gut-brain axis is the link between the nerve cells that line the GI tract and those that comprise the brain. Several neurotransmitters that influence our emotions, like serotonin, are largely synthesized by our gut microbes. Furthermore, evidence suggests that gastrointestinal irritation may be responsible for mood changes and adverse mental health effects. Symptoms of Gut Dysbiosis Out of the numerous bacterial species that exist in our gut, most of them live symbiotically within us. Only a minority of these species are pathogenic and potentially harmful. In generally healthy people, these bacteria coexist peacefully, but if the balance between bacterial types is disturbed, it can make you more susceptible to disease. Gut dysbiosis may occur as a result of infections, prolonged use of antibiotics, and certain dietary choices. Common gut-related symptoms that may indicate dysbiosis include abdominal discomfort, bloating, gassiness, digestive issues, and acid reflux. But as we know, the gut microbiome influences a lot more than just our gut, which means dysbiosis can lead to other symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, and even poor skin quality. Feeding Your GutSo what can you do to promote a healthy gut? The simple answer is by feeding it! Eating foods that contain beneficial strains of living bacteria helps create a healthy balance of gut bacteria. These foods are called probiotics and include common fermented products like yogurt, kimchi, miso, and kombucha. On the other hand, prebiotics are typically plant foods that are high in fiber, like asparagus, bananas, and garlic. These non-digestible fibers feed our gut bacteria by providing compounds for specific chemical reactions that occur in our digestive system. In the same way we need to eat to maintain our energy, the bacteria in our gut metabolize certain compounds to sustain themselves. As a bonus, the compounds that result from bacterial fermentation include essential vitamins and antioxidants that help our bodies function. The bottom line of gut health is, both probiotics and prebiotics support your body in building and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. The benefits we derive from it sustain both our mental and physical well-being. With that in mind, what will you do to nourish your gut? Sourceshttps://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/microbiome/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8454481/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/#:~:text=Increasing%20evidence%20has%20associated%20gut,are%20prevalent%20in%20society%20today. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/05/28/how-bacteria-in-your-gut-interact-with-the-mind-and-body
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