Have you ever read about gut microbiota? Well, the normal response would be: No. After all, it is not a regular or a popular term, but it turns out that it is highly important for the correct function of your body and organs. Were you aware of that fact?
Learn a little about gut microbiota
First of all, the microbiota is the group of microorganisms present in a defined environment. Some of these can be bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses. Gut microbiota is related to the environment in the intestinal tract. There are more than 100 trillion microorganisms in the gut microbiota, and it turns out that it constitutes the largest population inside the human body.
Part of the gut microbiota is common for all healthy people; however, the entire composition is pretty much unique for everyone. Functions and variety are influenced by several factors such as: feeding methods, medication, diets, lifestyle, environment, obesity, among others. Of course, some factors cannot be changed, like genetics, the anatomy of the intestines, gestational age, birth method, and age.
The key point about gut microbiota is that it helps humans when digesting certain types of foods. But that’s not all. Gut microbiota is involved in vitamin production and regulates the intestinal tract.
Gut Microbiota and obesity
Obesity has increased in the last decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about it because it has compromised global public health, and it results in comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. Some studies have presented interesting data that show changes in the gut microbiota associated with obesity.
These studies found that in obese patients there is: “…a lesser diversity and richness in the bacterial component of the gut microbiota”. This conclusion can prove that a diet that compromises weight and BMI (body mass index) results in changes in the gut microbiota and, of course, in the metabolism.
A change of habits in terms of diet and exercise routines is always the best course of action to keep a have a better quality of life, which will lead to the best version of your body, in and out. There are many ways to develop and regulate gut microbiota, but the main one is consuming healthy food and taking care of yourself!
Love,
Fer!
