The many bacteria, microorganisms, fungi, and viruses that live within your gastrointestinal system play an important role in your body's health and its risk for diseases. This system is what’s known as the gut microbiome, a popular phrase that’s been making headlines for its impact on health.
The good news is that the things we eat go a long way in making sure this system is healthy. Here are a few things to know about your gut microbiome, and how you can take steps to have a healthy gut and healthy body.
The microbiome of our gut has an influence across all of our biology, the New York Times reports. The gut breaks down our food and absorbs the nutrients our body needs to function. Much of the immune system is in the gut, and the microbiome impacts how well it functions. The gut microbiome also influences inflammation, appetite, mental health, and may have links to diseases like diabetes and cancer.
To know if you have a healthy gut, pay attention to what happens after you eat meals. You shouldn’t experience more pain than occasional bloating or some discomfort, and you should have regular, well-formed bowel movements, according to the New York Times. If you are experiencing discomfort, try different foods that are nutrient and fiber rich, and cut back on processed foods to see how your body responds. You should also consult your doctor if you’re in pain or experiencing frequent diarrhea.
The food we put in our body impacts the complex network of our gut microbiome, even more than our genes impact it. Research has found that nutrient-dense, whole, high-fiber foods like vegetables, nuts, seafood, and eggs can lead to healthy microbiomes that support our wellbeing. But diets high in processed foods like juices, sweetened beverages, refined grains, white bread, and processed meats led to poor metabolic health, the New York Times reports.
These findings align with what has been known for a while about the importance of a healthy diet on our body’s health. However, everybody is different, so two people eating the same diet would see different outcomes on their health. That’s why it’s important to find the foods that best support each individual’s wellbeing.
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