As previously mentioned, the GI system hosts about 100 trillion bacteria, so a diverse gut microbiome is important for a proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Each bacteria species possess a special job, depending on their unique characteristic and metabolic pathways. GI bacteria break down organic matters to smaller compounds, making essential vitamins and regulating the nutrients absorptions. A poor GI system and lack of diversity leading to digestive problems and nutri

Gut bacteria plays a role in cancer development, progression, and treatment response. Gut bacteria imbalance can lead to inflammation, which can trigger diseases like colorectal cancer. Some bacteria like ETBF, a pathogenic strain of bacteroides fragilis can trigger an inflammatory that accelerates the formation of cancerous tumors in the colon that called tumorigenesis. Cancer Progression The gut bacteria can affect the progression of cancer by interacting with the immune sy

A community of 100 trillion bacteria and over 5,000 different species of bacteria, as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites are the permanent residents of the human GI system. The number of bacteria in the GI system is larger than the number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy. The number of stars in the Milky Way is between 100 and 400 billion. The gut bacteria or gut microbiota contain a significant portion of the immune system, about 70 to 80 percent of the body immune cells

The gut and liver are connected through the gut-liver-axis. Gut bacteria metabolize nutrients and break down the fiber into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which have anti-inflammatory Properties. SCFAs can improve the insulin sensitivity which prevents fatty liver. Chronic insulin resistance can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, since the body is less responsive to insulin that increases the fat accumulation in the liver. Gut bacteria can break down complex carbohydrat

Eating serotonin rich food increases serotonin production. Tryptophan is an amino acid that converts into serotonin. Foods that are rich sources of tryptophan are turkey, chicken, salmon, eggs, nuts, seeds, and cheese. Eating tryptophan rich food with carbohydrates increase absorption of tryptophan in the brain. Sunlight exposure for 10-30 minutes daily in the morning can stimulate serotonin production, circadian rhythms, and boost the mood. Walking, running, and swimming are

Communication between gut bacteria and the brain or gut brain axis is a two way complex network involving hormones, immune cells, neurotransmitters and the vagus nerve. Vagus nerve is the longest and main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system that controls digestion, immune system, and heart rate. The function of vagus nerve is involuntary and are not consciously controlled. The gut brain axis or the communication system between gut and the brain affects stress levels,

A combination of healthy diet and lifestyle will increase a diverse gut bacteria population and boost the immune system. Including more fiber rich foods (nuts, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes), probiotic rich food (yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha), prebiotic foods (garlic, onion, leeks, banana, asparagus, and oat), variety of plant-based foods, limited ultra processed foods and sugar, unnecessary antibiotics, less stress, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and

Fiber is a key part of a balanced diet to maintain and promote a healthy GI system, immune system, mental health, and gut digestion. Some fibers are called prebiotic. Prebiotic fibers are fibers that feed the good bacteria, allowing them to grow and expand their population and prevent bad bacteria from growing. Equilibrium is a balanced gut bacteria which affects a state of physical and mental balance. Adding prebiotic fibers to diet are needed for maintaining a healthy gut.

The importance of gut bacteria and overall health has been undervalued by a large number of the population. In this book the author will focus on the scientific findings and gastrointestinal (GI) system that hosts about 75 to 80 percent of the body's immune system and how to boost and protect the immune system. Daily I hear some biggest barriers to eating healthy such as cost, time, and taste. I strongly believe that knowledge is a fundamental pillar of health and wellness. Y

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