Bacteria present in the gut have plenty of important functions. They help to break down food and are essential for the developmental and defensive functions of the body.
There are around 1014 bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. They outnumber the human cells 10:1 and contribute close to 8 million extra genes!
Every individual’s gut bacteria composition is unique. Lifestyle factors play a strong role in gut bacteria diversity. Eating healthy food like cruciferous vegetables, vegetables, and fruits, help to increase the diversity of this bacteria.
In today’s blog, Dr. Amitabha Saha, the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, takes a look at the microbiome of the gut and explains how important gut bacteria are for a person.
What is Gut Bacteria?
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi found in the gut are known as gut bacteria. Since the majority of the microorganisms found in the body are bacteria, these microorganisms are collectively known as gut bacteria. Most of these bacteria are found in the cecum portion of the large intestine. These microbes may come in contact with you when you are present in the womb and when you leave the birth canal.
How Does the Microbiome Help Your Body?
Members of the microbiome help the body in various ways.
- Helps to digest breast milk
Bifidobacteria is one such bacteria that grows inside a baby’s intestine. They digest certain sugars in the breast milk that are important for growth.
- Helps in fiber digestion
Some of the bacteria help to digest fiber which produces short-chain fatty acids. Fiber helps to prevent weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
- Helps manage your immune system
Gut bacteria work with the immune cells of the body and help to fight off infection.
- Helps regulate brain health
There exists new research that says that the gut microbiome affects brain health as well as emotions and the way information is processed by the brain.
- Helps regulate obesity
The gut bacteria imbalance may send mixed signals to the brain about feeling full or empty. Studies are still exploring the link with obesity.
How Can You Improve Your Gut Microbiome?
It is the advice of the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata that people should take good care of their gut health by eating a variety of good foods such as:
- Eating a diverse range of foods like legumes, beans, and fruits
- Eating fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut.
- Limit the intake of artificial sweeteners
- Eat prebiotic foods
- Eat whole grains
Conclusion
Maintaining a diverse and healthy microbiome of the gut can certainly help you digest your food better. Moreover, gut bacteria helps to protect you in tandem with the immune cells of the body.
To know how you can naturally improve your gut health, reach out to the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.