Countless individuals are unaware that there is a whole ecosystem in their gut. The digestive system extends from the mouth to the colon and contains trillions of microbes. The system is more than a digestive machine; it’s actually the central hub of a person’s health. It plays a role in a person’s overall wellness.
The gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and countless other microorganisms. These microorganisms play a role in a person’s immune system, mood, food metabolism, and illness response. This living ecosystem interacts with every organ in a person’s body. When the gut is not in balance, the consequences are far-reaching. People who recognize this may turn to ImmunoG PRP from NuMedica to restore the proper balance in the digestive system.
The Gut Microbiome
The microbes living in the gut play an active role in a person’s health and wellness. They are tasked with breaking down fibers and complex carbohydrates that human enzymes are unable to digest. When they break these substances down, short-chain fatty acids are produced. These fatty acids provide the gut lining with nourishment while modulating inflammation in the digestive system. The same microbes are responsible for synthesizing K and B12 vitamins and teaching the immune system which items are beneficial and which need to be destroyed.
This microbiome can adapt as needed. It changes with a person’s diet, lifestyle, and environment. Stress and medications a person is taking can also affect the microbiome. Genetics plays a role in how this microbiome operates, but lifestyle choices cannot be discounted.
The Immune System
Approximately 70% of the immune cells in the human body live in the gut. The food a person eats enters the gut. The body must then determine whether the items entering the digestive system are beneficial or harmful, and the gut microbiome helps it make this determination. Good microbes living in the gut help regulate a person’s immune responses while reducing the risk of overreactions. If an overreaction occurs, the person might develop allergies, chronic inflammation, or an autoimmune condition.
A diverse and balanced microbiome can easily distinguish between friend and foe. When there’s an imbalance present, medical professionals refer to this as dysbiosis. The immune system begins attacking harmless substances or tissues in the individual’s body. This improper response may lead to diabetes, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other conditions.
Gut Health and Other Issues
A poorly balanced microbiome can lead to other health issues. When the microbiome is not balanced, a person’s mood can be affected. The individual may struggle with chronic low-grade inflammation, which can bring about heart disease, cancer, and other major health issues.
A person’s diet plays a significant role in determining the health of the microbiome. Fiber-rich foods nourish beneficial bacteria, while fermented foods provide the body with natural probiotics. Polyphenols found in tea and dark chocolate feed the healthy microbes.
Consuming a lot of processed foods and sugar can harm the microbiome. Harmful strains begin to grow in the gut and disrupt the natural balance. Anyone taking antibiotics is also at risk of disrupting their microbial balance. They may need to take additional probiotics to restore the natural balance until they finish their prescription. Doing so will help their immune system fight off illnesses in the future.
Medical professionals now recognize the connection between gut health and overall health and wellness. When a person’s gut is healthy, their immune system can fight off illnesses and diseases. People who nurture their gut find that their quality of life improves in every way as they are healthy and feel great.
