4 Reasons Why Gut Microbiota can be Your Friends with Benefits
Are you tired of poor health, weak immunity, and obesity? Here comes the gut microbiota- a game changer for your many health problems. While thinking about bacteria, the first thing that comes to mind is the horrific infectious diseases caused by them. Albeit out of total bacteria, less than 1% are disease-causing and most bacteria are beneficial for us in one way or other.
The microbial communities in your gastrointestinal tract are termed gut microbiota or commensal bacteria. A proper diet can maintain the balance of gut microbiota, thus ensuring their complete benefits to the body. Indeed, as Lynn Megulis remarkably iterates: “We are all of us walking communities of bacteria.”
I am going to explain some healthful uses of gut microbiota. So let’s get started:
Efficient in Weight Loss
Most of the time weight loss reminds you of a vicious cycle of hectic workouts and ditching your favorite foods. But there’s more to it. Gut microbiota is very helpful in weight regulation. Studies reveal that the gut microbiota of normal-weighed people is different from obese people. Similarly, some strains of Lactobacillus maintain weight by inhibiting calorie absorption and reducing low-grade inflammation.
Synthesis of Vital Nutrients
The human body is unable to synthesize essential compounds (vitamins), and you have to take them through diet. However, that’s not the only source of vitamins because microbial flora can manufacture B vitamins (riboflavin, folate, and cobalamin) and vitamin K.
Some bacteria also produce short-chain fatty acids like acetate, butyrate, and propionate. All these substances have advantageous effects on the human body, ranging from anticarcinogenic action to key energy sources. The key players are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus sp.
Maintaining the Body’s Defence Mechanism
Gut microbiota increases the body’s immune system, especially in tandem with probiotics. First, intestinal microflora wards off infectious bacteria and prevents them from causing any infection. Outside the intestine, commensal bacteria build a symbiotic relationship with the immune system, thus increasing your innate and adaptive immunity.
Regulation of the Central Nervous System
Your gut is a menagerie of numerous bacterial species. Some of these species are closely associated with the proper development and function of the brain. The gut microbiome improves neuronal activity by producing several neurotransmitters like serotonin.
These microorganisms also have a positive share in neurological disorders like epilepsy and depression. It is evident by research that antibiotics can adversely affect the gut microbiota and change normal brain functioning, leading to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and delirium.
Final Verdict
In a nutshell, the health benefits of normal microbiota are numerous and range from regulating body weight, manufacturing vital compounds, efficient immune system, and brain function. However, the advantages of these bacteria can only be enjoyed by maintaining their balance in the body through a proper diet.
