Role of Gut Microbiome in Health
June 29, 2020
Microbiome got greater attention post 1990's. The study and research based on microbiome and its role in our healthcare are still going on. Let's discuss in detail.
Main functions of Microbiome
The microbiome is essential for human development,immunity and nutrition as said earlier. Microbes in our body like bacteria,fungi,protoza,viruses,etc has got a unique role to protect our health. The bacteria in the microbiome helps in proper digestion and regulates the immune system, produce minerals and vitamins including vitamin B,B12,thiamine and ribolflavin,and vitamin K, which is vital for blood coagulation and survival. It also protects us against from various diseases.
Gut microbiome.
Different types of microbes live in different parts of our body. It is seen high in density within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
The gut microbiome is composed of all the bacteria,commensal,and pathogenic,residing in the GIT. Gut microbiomes help to digest the food and help us break down complex carbohydrates. Gut microbiome plays an important role in nutrient and mineral absorption, synthesis of enzymes, vitamins and amino acids, and production of short-chain fatty acids. . It also helps in controlling blood sugar and reduces the risk of diabetes.
The gut microbiome impacts the entire body from birth and throughout life by controlling the digestion of food, enhancing the immune system and central nervous system
Studies have found GUT microbiome is associated with the nervous system too. It is said plays a crucial role in our mental health too. It is also linked with our brain’s health. An inadequate digestive system may lead to depression, anxiety. The gut can control the mood swings of the human beings.
The gut microbiome plays an inevitable role in the maturation and maintenance of the GI Tract, helps in nutritional contribution to the host and provides protection from the pathogenic microbes.
The gut microbiome signalled the development and progress of various infections, chronic diseases, malignancies, obesity and neuropsychiatric conditions. This makes gut microbiome an increasingly attractive target in the modulation of disease development. Low microbial diversity or abnormal gut microbiota leads to or associated with many diseases like diarrhoea, Clostridium difficile, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, depression etc. The symbiotic relationship between the microbiota and the host affects the overall health, risk of diseases and behavioral and cognitive dysfunction.
prompt behavioural and cognitive dysfunction.
Looking after the health of the gut and maintaining the right balance of these microorganisms is vital for the physical immunity and mental health
Things to do for gut health:
1. Eat a vegetarian diet.
Vegetarian diet may improve gut health due to the high levels of prebiotic fiber it have.
Studies have shown that there is obvious difference between vegetarians and non vegetarians when it comes to the level of gut microbes. Overuse of antibiotics will lead to the damage of the gut microbiota and immunity, as some research suggest that even after 6 months of their usage, the gut still lacks the several species of beneficial bacteria.
2. Usage of unnecessary antibiotics
Overuse of antibiotics leads to damage the gut microbiote and immunity, with some research reporting that even 6 months after their use, the gut stil lacks several species of beneficial bacteria.
In this case, people could consult and discuss with specialised doctors and check for alternative options.
3. Avoid all added sugar flavours, artificial sweeteners and processed food items
Eating a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners may cause dysbiosis, which is not good for gut microbiome. In turn, this could adversely influence the brain and behaviour and affect entire body system.
The artificial sweeteners increase the number of bacterial strains that are linked with metabolic ailments which could increase the risk of diabetes and heart diseases.
So you must avoid unnecassery sweet for gut health
4. Reduce stress and anxiety as much as possible and have good amount of sleep
Managing the stress level is very important for gut and overall health. Stress affect gut health including:
psychological stress,environmental stress such s extreme heat,cold or noise
sleep deprivation
Disruption of the circadian rhythm
Techniques like meditation,deep breathing excessive muscle relaxation can decrease your stress level
Hence, you must exercise regularly,sleep well,and eat healthful diet, Spend more time in the outdoors.
5. Eliminate exposure to toxins such as cleaning products, lotions, artificial scents etc
Eliminate exposure to toxins such as cleaning products, lotions, disinfectants,artificial & synthetic scents etc.
Researchers found that the those who live in homes where people use disinfectant cleaning products atleast weekly were twice as likely to have higher level of lachnospiraceae gut microbes,a type associated witht Type two diabetes and obesity. Even toddlers are affected and exposed to gut issues.
6. Abstain from smoking
Everybody on the planet realize that smoking isn't good for wellbeing even in the packet likewise says that. Smoking impact the gut,heart and lungs and increases the probability of cancer too.
Smoking alters the intestinal flora by increasing the potentially harmful micro-organisms and diminishing the level of useful microorganisms.
Thus, Gut microbiome is important for the overall wellbeing and happiness of human being. Gut is called as the “second brain”.