Gut microbiota are the total microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses 🦠, protozoa etc. and their genetic material present in the gastrointestinal tract.
There are almost 1000 varieties of bacteria in the human gut and each one plays a different role in the body.
Gut microbiota influences various activities in the body like nutrient and mineral absorption synthesis of vitamins and amino acids.
The development and alteration of gut microbiome is influenced by various factors such as diet, lifestyle, pharmaceutical products, geography, stress, birth procedure.
Effect of gut microbiota on health
✓ Digestion of milk
Bifidobacteria present in gut of babies helps in digestion of milk.
✓ Digestion of fiber
Gut microbiome digest fiber which are important for gut health. fiber is essential part of diet which helps to prevent weight gain, diabetes.
✓ Immune system
Controls immune system by influencing how our body responds to infection.
✓ Controls brain function
How to improve gut microbiota
✓ Eat varieties of foods
include fruits, vegetables, legumes and beans which are seasonal and grown locally in the diet.
✓ Eat fermented foods like curd buttermilk
✓ Eat probiotics and probiotics
✓ Eat plant based food
✓ Avoid packed foods
✓ Avoid antibiotics consumption without prescription as they may kill both good and bad bacteria.
✓ Include Omega 3 fish oil in the diet
Effect of omege 3 fish oil on gut microbiota
Omega 3 fish oil contains 2 active compounds
1. EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)
2. DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)
Studies have proven that Omega 3 fatty acids increase the diversity of gut microbiota
Omega 3 fatty acids lower gut inflammation and permeability reducing the risk of celiac disease, leaky gut and IBD
