As consumers become more aware of the connection between the food and drink they eat and their health and well-being, the human gut is increasingly in focus. Why? There are more than 100 trillion microorganisms in the human gut, including bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. This huge ecosystem, known as the intestinal microbiome, consists mainly of bacteria and contains the largest number of microbes in the human body.
You may think that the only function of intestinal microbiomin is to aid digestion, but research shows that it provides much more. Intestinal microbiome partially affects the human immune system, metabolism, weight, sleep and energy levels. Some new studies suggest that diet and its link microbiomiin may help control the conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. These critical features and possible outcomes demonstrate the importance of maintaining a healthy gut.
What is a healthy gut?
Healthy gut microbiome depending on the presence of bacteria in richness and diversity. Wider microbivalikoima in the intestines create a healthier and more flexible environment, while unhealthy intestinal symptoms often occur when diversity and balance are lacking. Studies show that while genetics is a factor, diet has been shown to have a significantly greater effect on bowel function, so what you eat matters.
What is special about short-chain fatty acids?
Short chain fatty acids, including acetate, propionate and butyrate, are the major products of intestinal bacteria during the breakdown of indigestible carbohydrates. Together, they have been shown to affect energy levels, fat accumulation and appetite and as such can regulate human metabolism. They also play an important role in the healthy intestinal wall of maintenance, which in turn reduces the leakage of the intestines and can prevent systemic inflammation. They have also been associated with a reduction in the risk of some autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory arthritis and multiple sclerosis. We can increase the production of these health-promoting compounds by consuming more fiber.
Harmony is the key
Diversity and balance of bacteria in the gut are essential for utilizing gut health. When the symbiotic relationship is not correct, the unhealthy bacteria can take up, leading to dysbiosis by producing metabolites that pass through the intestinal mucosa and spread the infection in the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
So how do you keep that balance?
Foods that contain prebiotics and probiotics are important for maintaining digestive health. High-fiber foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables and many non-perishable foods such as grains are sources of prebiotic fiber. Fermented products such as yogurt, kefir and kombucha contain probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts that support the body to build and maintain a healthy colony of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut. A conscious effort to include foods that help maintain bacterial diversity and create a harmonious state in the gut can help people get the promise of a healthy gut.
Intestinal health innovations increasing
Research will continue to better understand the effects of gastrointestinal health products not only on the microbiome but also on overall health and disease prevention. At the same time, research and development is constantly looking for new and better ways to deliver these wellness solutions to consumers. With the advent of new research, nutritionists will take advantage of the opportunity and offer gut innovations across all product groups.
Pave the way for personal nutrition
Researchers’ dreams of personal nutrition have slowly come true since the human genome was sequenced nearly 20 years ago. We now understand that understanding the microbiome with its estimated 2 million genes compared to 23,000 human genes is the key to success. It has been estimated that there are about 500-1000 different types of bacteria in a person’s gut, and no two microbiomes are alike. Despite their unique composition, studies have shown that humans can be grouped together.
