The gut flora supports your immune system, helps metabolism, and affects brain health.
The gut flora has many functions and can negatively affect health when it’s out of balance.
Maintaining a healthy gut is important to your overall health.
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What Is Gut Flora?
Gut flora refers to the world of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, that populate our intestines.
Development
Babies are born withintestinesbelieved to be either completely or mostly sterile.
The microbiome is further populated by environmental exposure and intake of breast milk, formula, and ultimately food.
The makeup of the gut flora then continues to evolve throughout our life span.
Location
The substances secreted through the process of digestion affect where gut bacteria develop.
Its most important roles have to do with immune system protection, metabolism, and brain health.
For these important functions, there needs to be an optimal amount of “friendly” bacteria.
This interaction provides further nutrients, encourages epithelial cell growth, and modulates fat storage.
Gut bacteria help metabolize bile in your intestines.
Your liver sends bile to your small intestine to help you digest fats.
What Affects Gut Flora?
Medications:Antibiotics can wipe out both good and bad flora when taken long-term.
GI Motility:This refers to the movement of your intestinal tract.
Microbes break down undigested compounds into nutrients and then are eliminated with your poop.
It plays a crucial role in your metabolism, immune system, and brain health.
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