Your gut health affects more than how your stomach feels. Recent scientific breakthroughs have revealed the relationship between the state of the gut microbiome and diverse human health problems such as obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, cardiovascular disease, immune system disorders, asthma and even cancer and its treatment.
Experts say understanding the gut microbiome could change how this disease is diagnosed and treated. Additionally, certain microbes have been linked to good digestive health.
“The gut microbiome is currently in high demand by the medical and pharmaceutical industries, but it is also in high demand by most people,” says Michael Farrell, PhD, Managing Director of Biome360, an emerging biotechnology and probiotics company.
Farrell says that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can positively influence and manage their own gut microbiome for better overall health. He offers the following tips:
Assess your current gut health and monitor changes over time.
New tools, such as the Gut Microbiome Sampling Kit, from Biome360, make it possible to do this at home. The sample collection process requires no training or preparation and the Biome360 dashboard allows users to find out about and explore their gut microbiome, and compare it to age- and sex-matched healthy peers.
Complements your intestinal health.
Supplement your gut health with targeted probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. Probiotics support digestive and immune health, can aid weight loss and can decrease bad bacteria in your body that can cause infections and other problems. Probiotic supplements are particularly important after antibiotics.
What you eat is important.
Make sure you are getting high-quality fiber in your diet — the recommended daily intake is 25 to 38 grams — and take steps to limit refined carbohydrates. Include fermented foods in your diet, which are filled with beneficial bacteria. Good choices include yogurt, cottage cheese, kimchi, tempeh, natto, kambucha, sauerkraut, miso, milk kefir and pickles.
Exercise early and often.
Exercise, early in life, can change microbial communities for the better, promoting brain activity and healthier metabolism throughout life, according to recent research at the University of Colorado.
You may not realize how much control you have over your own health. With the right information at your fingertips, you can learn more about what is going on in your gut, and take action to improve your health.
Article By: Statepoint, Photo source: (c) kei907 – Fotolia.com
