Is your gut healthy? What does that even mean? Though 46% of Americans say that improving gut health is important, very few know how to go about doing just that. Did you know that 100 trillion organisms live in your body microbiota? These are the microbes that have been with us since birth – bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. They live primarily in the gut but are also found in the lungs, intestines, vaginal canal, oral and nasal cavities, and on our skin. There can be up to a 1,000 different species in your microbiome and they make up 50% of your daily poop.
Before you start yelling yuck – enough! Keep in mind that your microbiome is the reason you are healthy or not. Their very existence and the diversity that is found in your body is essential to your well-being. These invisible hitch-hikers can keep you healthy or make you sick and the action they take is up to you.
If your microbiome is healthy and inhabited by friendly organisms they help with digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. They drive the activity of your immune system to help you ward off infections, chronic diseases, and protect you against carcinogens. They help you use energy (calories) efficiently and play a role in how much fat you store. In short, they may be a major player in keeping weight under control. They help to keep inflammation under control. And, they make vitamins K, B12, riboflavin, biotin and thiamine.
Pretty important, don’t you think?
