The importance of a healthy gut

Your body is home to a unique microbiome full of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

While some bacteria are harmful, others are highly beneficial to your health. Most of the microorganisms reside in the gut, so this is one of the reasons why it is so important to have a really good gut health. 

The gut microbiome plays an extremely important role in your immune system, heart, weight, and many other aspects of your general health.

Here are some reasons why gut health is important:

It may affect your weight

There are thousands of living bacteria in your intestines, and it's important to have an ideal balance between them. An imbalance of healthy and unhealthy microbes is most of the time called gut dysbiosis, and it may contribute to weight gain. 

Research has shown that the gut microbiome was utterly different between identical twins, as one of them was obese and the other was normal weight. 

When the microbiome from the obese twin was transferred to a lean mouse, in a matter of months with the same food as before, the mouse became obese. This shows that an unhealthy gut can lead to weight gain.

Effects on the immune system

A healthy gut is associated with good immunity because of better digestion and nutrition absorption.

People with a leaky gut tend to suffer from suppressed immunity as well. It is thought that 60 - 70% of immunity is made in the guts. 

It may benefit heart health 

In a study, 1500 people found that the gut microbiome is very important in promoting "good" HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Some unhealthy species in the gut microbiome can also contribute to heart disease by producing trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO).

But, other bacteria like Lactobacilli, can help reduce cholesterol when taken as a probiotic.

It may affect brain health

There are many ways your gut can impact your brain health. Some bacteria made in the gut can help produce chemicals called neurotransmitters. For example, serotonin is an anti-depressant neurotransmitter. Another hormone called dopamine is also created in the gut with probiotic bacteria. As the gut is physically connected to the brain through nerves, they help the body to respond to various boosts. There have been a lot of studies conducted on the effects of gut health on mental health, and they have shown that people with depression and anxiety normally have physical symptoms connected to an unhealthy gut. A healthy gut is crucial for a healthy lifestyle and mental health.