What Does Gut Flora Mean To Us
If you were to Google (which maybe you did to get here) “GUT FLORA” you get a really great description and definition by WIkipedia. Here is what Wikipedia says, “Human gastrointestinal microbiota, also known as gut flora or gut microbiota, are the microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans.”
This goes to show that we all have some organisms in our gut that help us digest food and keep a balance in our systems.
In some layperson’s minds, when you hear the words “Gut Flora” you think of little active particles that are keeping a balance in your belly. We often hear about having the “good” bacteria that we need to keep balance and fight off germs etc.
We often hear about how Antibiotics can wreak havoc on our stomachs and on the “good” bacteria in our digestive system. Many of us have heard, that we need to eat yogurt to add that “good” bacteria back in.
Before doing some research, this was about the extent to which I knew much about Gut Flora. Now having learned there are trillions of gut flora in our systems that logically tells me these gut flora have a role to play in our bodies! So how do we find out what that role is? WE RESEARCH!
We can learn more by researching it or asking your doctor or natural path doctor to get advice on our own Gut and Gut flora. But in general, there is some great info out there for you to learn more at your fingertips. We are not doctors here at PulseGroup Fitness but we can do some good research – but if all this peaks your interest I encourage you to continue the research and also speak with your doctor about the world of Gut Flora.
Most of us know that the food we eat affects our digestive system and our bodies in many ways. According to Healthline, we learn that the “gut microbiome (all of the microbes in your intestines, which act as another organ that’s crucial for your health) begins to affect you when you are born. This article, “Why the Gut Microbiome Is Crucial for Your Health” explains how gut flora begins to increase and diversify in our system.
As we get older and experience more foods, and other things our gut microbiome/bacteria gets diversified. Meaning more different types of microbiomes enter our gut tract and can affect us in different ways.
There is a lot of research out there, showing that Gut flora or Gut Microbiomes can affect our immune system, brain health, and overall body health in many ways so it may be beneficial to learn more about Gut Flora so you know all the options out there and can discuss with your doctor your own situation.
There are many, many, many types of gut flora or microbiomes and a lot of information out there on what we can do to promote “the good kind” of gut flora.
According to Harvard Health Publishing…there is a ton we can learn from Gut flora. Published in 2016, this Harvard article titled, “Can gut bacteria improve your health? Initial research suggests certain bacteria in your gut can prevent and treat many common diseases.” we can learn that “A healthy gut microbiota is still important for health,” says Dr. Hohmann. “Anything that can feed good bacteria and keep them plentiful is good for overall health. When the gut is happy, you are happy.”
Here are some key points from Harvard Health Publishing…
- “ Do not overuse antibiotics. Again, overusing antibiotics can deplete good gut bacteria. “ (speak with your doctor or healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or specifics).
- Eat more fermented foods…naturally fermented foods containing probiotics (live bacteria), such as sauerkraut, pickles, miso, certain types of yogurt, and kefir (a yogurt-based drink).
- Probiotic supplements are another option. Also, not all probiotic preparations are the same, so discuss the options with your doctor before you take one. Some people with certain medical issues cannot take probiotics.. Therefore, BEFORE YOU ADD OR TRY ANYTHING IN YOUR DIET, you MUST DISCUSS IN FULL WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER/DOCTOR. This is not considered medical advice.
Another source of Gut Flora information and another suggestion for people to look into and is the world of Pre-Biotic fiber. This a new word for some of us and a new category, known as Pre-biotics.
Sounds similar to what we have heard of “pro-biotics” but “pre-biotics” are different!
From this article, “10 ways to improve gut health” from Medical News Today we learn that “Probiotics feed on nondigestible carbohydrates called prebiotics. This process encourages beneficial bacteria to multiply in the gut. People who want to enhance their gut health may wish to include more of the following prebiotic-rich foods in their diet:
- asparagus
- bananas
- chicory
- garlic
- Jerusalem artichoke
- onions
- whole grains
From the NIH, there looks to be more to Gut Flora than many of us lay people know!
Now that we have skimmed the surface on what we can do to add gut flora or help our gut, here is some info on what the Gut Flora has been found to affect in our bodies.
According to the article, “Keeping Your Gut in Check , Healthy Options to Stay on Tract” from A monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Researchers are coming to understand the complex community of bacteria and other microbes that live in the human GI tract. Called gut flora or microbiota, these microbes help with our digestion. But evidence has been growing that gut microbes may influence our health in other ways too. Studies suggest that they may play roles in obesity, type 2 diabetes, IBS, and colon cancer. They might also affect how the immune system functions. This can affect how your body fights illness and disease. Recent studies have found that microbes’ effects on the immune system may impact the development of conditions such as allergy, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.”
Sure seems like taking the time to learn more about Gut Flora is an interesting topic and hot topic out there right now.
Do some research and take time to learn more about it, knowledge is power. The world of gut flora is vast as is the research and information on it out there. But, the fact that so many ie CDC, NIH etc are taking time to focus on this, definitely shows that at least researching it and learning more is worth it!
