Reasons Why the Gut Microbiome is Vital for Your Health

A human body encompasses trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi collectively known as the microbiome.

Whilst some bacteria are linked with disease, others are actually extremely vital for your immune system, weight, heart, and several other aspects of health. (1)

Read further to understand the gut microbiome and know why it is vital for your health.

Understanding the Gut Microbiome

Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic living things are called microorganisms or microbes.

Trillions of microbes live mostly inside your intestines and on your skin.

A majority of the microbes in your intestines can be seen in a “pocket” of your large intestine which is known as the cecum. They are known as the gut microbiome.

Up to 1,000 species of bacteria resides in the human gut microbiome. Each of them plays a unique role in your body. (2)

How Does It Help Your Body?

The gut microbiome starts to influence your body the moment you are born.

An infant is first exposed to microbes as he passes through his mother’s birth canal. Fresh evidence also suggests that babies may come in contact with some microbes while inside the womb. (3)

The food you consume affects the diversity of your gut bacteria. (4)

The gut microbiome is vital for your health for the following reasons:

Digesting breast milk: A number of bacteria that initially grow inside the intestines of an infant are known as Bifidobacteria. They help in digesting the healthy sugars in breast milk. (5)
Digesting fiber: Some bacteria digest fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids that are vital for gut health. Fiber can aid avert diabetes, weight gain, heart disease and make you less prone to cancer. (6)
Controls the immune system: Your gut microbiome can control how your immune system works. The gut microbiome communicates with immune cells and control the way your body responds to infection. (7)
Controls brain health: Recent research conducted points out that the gut microbiome can influence the central nervous system that controls brain function.(8)

Research Reveals the Gut Microbiome May Benefit Heart Health

A recent study that involved 1,500 people pointed out that the gut microbiome played a vital role in boosting “good” HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. (9)

A number of harmful species present in the gut microbiome can also lead to heart disease. They are known to produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a chemical that contributes to blocked arteries.

Some bacteria within the microbiome convert L-carnitine and choline which are nutrients available in red meat and other animal-based food sources, to TMAO. It increases the risk factors for heart disease. (10)

But other bacteria within the gut microbiome, mainly Lactobacilli can decrease cholesterol if taken as probiotic. (11)

Can You Improve Your Gut Microbiome?

You can improve your gut microbiome by:

Eating a varied range of foods: A diverse microbiome indicates that a person has good gut health. Consume legumes, beans, and fruit. They contain lots of fiber and can boost the growth of healthy Bifidobacteria. (12)
Eating fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are among the best fermented foods that contain healthy bacteria, mainly Lactobacilli. They can lessen the amount of disease-causing species in the gut. So, drink 2oz of ZanaJuices daily. (13)
Limiting the intake of artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame increase blood sugar as it stimulates the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the gut microbiome like Enterobacteriaceae. (14)
Eating prebiotic foods: Prebiotics, a type of fiber can stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria. Consume artichokes, asparagus, oats, and apples that are rich in prebiotics. (15)
Taking a probiotic supplement: Probiotics are living bacteria and can aid restoring the gut to a healthy state after dysbiosis. Again, drink 2oz of ZanaJuices daily.

Final Note

Though you might feel all bacteria are unhealthy germs that reside in your body, they are in fact extremely helpful for your health. To keep your gut microbiome in check and maintain a healthy lifestyle, start consuming food rich in prebiotics and take 2oz of ZanaJuices daily.

Reasons Why the Gut Microbiome is Vital for Your Health

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