When we hear the word “bacteria,” we usually think of organisms that cause diseases. However, in order to function properly, our bodies actually need to have enough amounts of good bacteria.
The digestive system, in particular, contains trillions of bacteria that work together to influence our health. These bacteria in the gut are very crucial in maintaining vital functions like digestion, releasing toxins, the absorption and production of vitamins, and building the immune system.
Holistic health cannot be achieved without improving gut health, which is made possible by good bacteria. These are the different functions of good bacteria in the body:
1. Digestion
The presence of good bacteria promotes good digestion, particularly the digestion of fibre. Because humans are not equipped to digest fibre on their own, gut bacteria helps break it down. In addition, if an individual is able to digest fibre well, it can also aid in weight loss.
2. Digestion of nutrients
Good bacteria also plays an important role in the digestion of nutrients, particularly the phytonutrients that are present in many fruits and vegetables.
3. Prevention of Inflammation
The digestive system needs to have a healthy amount of good bacteria to fight off bad bacteria that can be associated with gut inflammation. Uncontrolled inflammation can lead to different diseases and disorders like obesity, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and more.
4. Prevention of Obesity
Finally, a balanced number of good bacteria in the gut can help control appetite and improve metabolism. Because of these links, gut bacteria is helpful in preventing obesity and corresponding lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Gut bacteria plays a very important role in achieving optimum health. To better take care of our gut health, we need to be mindful of what we eat. Stay away from foods like junk food and sugary treats, and make sure to eat more foods that promote the growth of good bacteria. These foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes and beans, and probiotic foods like yogurt and fermented foods.
If you want to take it one step further, we recommend taking the Gut Microbiome Test, which empowers you to get to know your gut bacteria in specific detail. Through this test, you can also learn how to achieve or maintain balanced microbial community. Check out our Health and Wellbeing DNA Tests today!
