Why Is It Important to Have A Proper Gut Health

Human body is full of trillions of bacteria that is collectively referred to as microbiome. While some bacteria such as h.pylori stomach bacteria are responsible for causing diseases, many others are essential to maintain the gut balance. Maintaining a proper digestive system is crucial to have a healthy and effective immune system, heart, body weight and more.

Gut Microbiome

Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and many other microscopic living things exist mainly inside the human intestine. There are approximately 40 trillion bacterial cells in a normal adult human body and only 30 trillion human cells. This means, more bacteria lives in human body than the number of cells. These microbes play a huge role in the upkeep of health.

How does it affect the body functions?

Humans have evolved to live symbiotically with these microbes. The microbes first pass through your mother's birth canal and with age begins to diversify. Varied microbiome diversity is considered beneficial for health.

Why is it necessary to pay attention to gut health?

Any food is broken down in the stomach with the help of a number of enzymes that can enter the bloodstream. This is how the entire body receives nutrients. A healthy gut contains healthy immune cells that can ward off infectious agents such as the h.pylori stomach bacteria and help maintain the general health and well-being.

Signs of gut health problems
 
All of us, at some point or the other have faced digestive problems such as abdominal pain, loose stools, heartburn, bloating, constipation, nausea or vomiting. When any of these symptoms persist for a long time, it may be a sign of the underlying gut problem. The faster it is diagnosed the simpler it will be to cure. Weight loss without any apparent reason, black stool (a sign of bleeding in the gut), blood in the stool, severe vomiting, severe stomachaches, fever, difficulty in swallowing, pain in the throat or chest after eating, or jaundice are potentially the signs of imbalance in gut conditions.

How to achieve a healthy gut?

There are a number of ways to get and maintain a healthy stomach and digestive system.

Start by eating more fruits and vegetables. Bring rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, they are the best sources of nutrients. Also, add more fermented foods in your diet which involves bacteria and yeasts that can help convert the sugars to organic acids or alcohol.

Some healthy fermented food includes -

• Yogurt
• Tempeh
• Kombucha
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut

Probiotics are also a popular food supplement choice that help achieve a healthy gut. When taken in regulated dose, they can help maintain the digestive system. The importance of probiotics has been known for long, however it is always advisable to discuss with your health provider before taking them.