The human body is home to many microbes, majorly bacteria, viruses and fungi. And millions of these microbes exist primarily on the skin and in the gut.
Among these microbes, bacteria, specifically good bacteria, are crucial for a healthy human being. It has been estimated that there is close to a 1,000 species of bacteria residing in the human gut alone.
And the presence and quantity of more useful bacteria over harmful bacteria depend on the lifestyle we live and the foods we eat.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GUT HEALTH
Good gut bacteria are responsible for many vital functions:
- Helps with digestion and breakdown of food into nutrients. These nutrients are absorbed by different parts of the body for different functions like hormone regulation, toxin filtration, waste elimination and more.
- A large portion of the immune system’s strength comes from the gut and is key to fight off diseases.
- Good bacteria help keep bad bacteria in check by fighting against them.
- Bacteria that promote gut health are also known to have a positive effect on brain and heart function.
CAUSE AND EFFECT OF AN UNHEALTHY GUT
An unhealthy gut has more harmful bacteria than helpful bacteria. And the presence and growth of such harmful bacteria is directly linked to the foods we eat.
Partaking in a regular sugar-rich and fat-rich diet is basically a feast for harmful bacteria. This causes them to grow faster, eclipsing all the good bacteria and thereby, causing diseases and discomfort.
An unhealthy gut can cause stomach upsets, fatigue, sleep disturbances, diseases related to immunity, and even skin irritations and food intolerances.
FOODS FOR GUT HEALTH
It goes without saying that a healthy gut is necessary for a healthy body. And to build and maintain a healthy gut, good food and better habits are necessary. Food-wise, it is best to include prebiotics and probiotics for gut health and digestion.
PREBIOTICS
We know that there are a number of helpful bacteria already present inside the gut. Prebiotics are those that serve as food for these existing good bacteria to multiply and thrive.
Prebiotics are found in foods with dietary fibers like onions, apples, oats, bananas and the like. The human body cannot digest the fibers from these foods but these are what our helpful gut bacteria eat to grow.
PROBIOTICS
Probiotic foods are those that naturally contain good bacteria. Eating these ensure that the helpful bacteria in the foods reach the gut to add more to the number of good bacteria present in it.
Probiotics are commonly found in fermented foods and foods with active cultures (good bacteria). There are also a number of supplements available for probiotics in the form of probiotic drinks. It is important to research and consult with doctors before choosing such supplements.
GOOD FOODS AND BETTER HABITS
Treat your gut well by including prebiotics and probiotics to a well-balanced, healthy diet. It is also essential to exercise regularly, stay hydrated and consistently choose to live a better lifestyle.
