Did you know, your gut keeps score of your entire body?
You have many bacteria in your body. In fact, you have more of them than
you have cells. Most are good for you. The ones found in your gut not only
help you digest foods, they work all over your body and can be good for
your physical and mental health.
Your gut microbiome is home base for the bacteria in your digestive tract. Here, they help you break down food and turn nutrients into things your body can use. They stop growing when they run out of food, so you'll only have what you need.
In the gut microbiome, the “good” bacteria do more than just help with digestion. They help keep your “bad” bacteria in check. They multiply so often that the unhealthy kind don't have space to grow. When you have a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, it’s called equilibrium.
Studies have found that if you have too much of a certain kind of bad bacteria in your gut microbiome, you're more likely to have:
- Crohn’s disease 😢
- Ulcerative colitis 😢
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 😢
Researchers are looking into new treatments for them that target the bacteria in the gut microbiome.
Gut Bacteria and Your Brain
Your brain sends messages all over your body. Researchers believe your gut may talk back. Studies show that the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome may affect your emotions and the way your brain processes information from your senses, like sights, sounds, flavors, or textures. Scientists suspect that changes in that balance may play a role in conditions like autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and depression, as well as chronic pain.
What can I do for my gut?
Eat more of these foods that are great for your gut:
- Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, tempeh 🍶 👍🏻
- Vegetables and fruits 🥦 🍇
Try this gut-friendly Greek Yogurt recipe!
Find out more about your gut here: WebMB