The microbiome is connected to brain health, the ability to lose weight, digestion, and other things. The trillions of bacteria in your intestines are responsible for your immune system which means that gut health is essential for everyone. Here are nine surprising facts about your microbiome and how it’s connected to your overall health.
1. The microbiome can influence the majority of health problems
Your microbiome is quite an important part of your overall health and well-being. If you have gut problems, you may develop other health issues like autoimmune diseases. Hippocrates considered that all diseases begin in the gut. According to studies, many health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression are now being linked to gut problems.
2. The microbiome is responsible for your immune system
If you experience chronic fatigue or always feel sick, make sure to check your bowels and microbiome health. Did you know that approximately 80 percent of your immune system is found in your gut? Therefore it’s not surprising that lots of autoimmune diseases may be related to hidden gastrointestinal issues.
3. The microbiome can influence the ability to lose weight
Scientists think that microbiome health might be connected to chronic weight-loss resistance. A study published in journal Nature found that weight gain and inability to lose weight are linked to an imbalanced microbiome and to increased amounts of the bacteria Firmicutes.
According to another study conducted in 2015, adults with metabolic syndrome who took probiotic supplements had improved triglyceride levels and decreased risk of heart disease.
4. Scientists consider the microbiome to be the second brain
It sounds amazing but 95 percent of the neurotransmitter serotonin is made in the gut. Depression and anxiety are related to lower levels of Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum. Therefore, if you want to have a healthy and happy life, you need healthy levels of your gut bacteria.
5. Gut problems are more serious than you think
If you don’t have constipation, IBS, bloating or diarrhea, this doesn’t mean you don’t have gut problems. In most cases, gut issues don’t manifest themselves though gut symptoms but only systemic problems somewhere in your body may indicate them. If you have any health problems, be sure to consult a gastroenterologist Brooklyn and check your guts.
Here are three gut issues that can be without symptoms but strongly affect your health:
- SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
- Candida overgrowth
- Leaky gut syndrome
6. You have more bacteria than cells in your body
You contain 10 times more gut bacteria than all your cells (there are 100 trillion bacteria in your gut, while your body has only 10 trillion cells). This sounds strange but you are more bacteria than human.
7. Your microbiome is highly complex
The bacterial diversity of your microbiome also plays a big role in your overall health. Scientists claim that the more diverse the microbiome, the better your health is. Gut bacteria are our protectors against bad bacteria and toxins.
8. Your diet can change your microbiome
One study has found that foods that contain polyphenols such as coffee, extra-virgin oil, and blueberries are a good prevention of degenerative diseases since they improve microbiome diversity and the environment. Remember that you are what you eat.
