Taking care of your gut health is no exaggeration to say that your entire body becomes healthier. In particular, gut microbiota is closely related to overall health.

 

Prevention of chronic diseases

 

Maintaining the balance of gut microbiota plays an important role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

 

Beneficial gut bacteria regulate the immune system and reduce inflammatory responses, thereby suppressing the development and progression of cancer. Several studies have shown that gut microbiota health plays a crucial role in the prognosis of colon cancer. Research from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology indicates that certain microbes within the gut microbiome can promote colon cancer, and patients with a high abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Prevotella had higher progression-free survival rates compared to those with fewer. Some gut microbes directly influence blood sugar stability, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory response regulation; when this balance is disrupted, metabolic functions are affected. A study from Oregon State University in the United States found that diabetic patients have an increased ratio of harmful gut bacteria and a decreased number of beneficial bacteria, leading to reduced diversity of gut microbiota.

Protect Your Brain Health

 

Gut microbiota affects not only physical health but also mental health.

 

The "gut-brain axis" theory has been supported by various studies. It suggests that the gut and brain are connected by approximately 2,000 nerve fibers, and that metabolites from gut microbiota cells circulate through the blood to regulate brain function. This is supported by the fact that 95% of serotonin, known as the happiness hormone, is produced in the gut. According to a study by the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology in Japan, the guts of dementia patients contain significantly fewer beneficial microbes, such as Bacteroides, compared to healthy individuals.

 

Weight management

 

Gut microbiota is one of the key factors influencing weight management.

 

The balance of gut microbiota influences energy metabolism, and the way microbes break down food and extract energy from it affects body weight. It also impacts the secretion of appetite-regulating hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, which can lead to overeating. Conversely, maintaining a healthy gut microbiota balance helps in maintaining an appropriate body weight. Professor Kim Sung-eun of the Department of Food and Nutrition at Sookmyung Women's University stated in a past interview with Health Chosun, "The balance of gut microbiota is very important for preventing and treating obesity," and emphasized the importance of managing eating habits that influence microbial composition. It is recommended to consume a variety of foods rich in dietary fiber, which serve as good nourishment for beneficial bacteria, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and seaweed.

 

◇Skin inflammation improvement

 

Maintaining the balance of gut microbiota is beneficial for skin health.

 

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbiota have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing skin inflammation and balancing gut microbial flora. When harmful bacteria increase and gut microbiota become imbalanced, it can trigger inflammation and cause or worsen skin conditions. According to research from Kangdong Kyunghee University Hospital's Department of Korean Medicine Dermatology, atopic dermatitis patients have fewer beneficial gut bacteria and lower diversity compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, a study from Ghent University in Belgium found that consuming foods high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, which disrupt gut microbiota balance, increases the risk of developing inflammatory skin diseases.

◇Relief of allergy symptoms

 

Gut microbiota is closely related to immune responses such as allergies and asthma.

 

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of the immune system. An imbalance in gut microbiota can trigger immune system hypersensitivity reactions, increasing the risk of allergic diseases and asthma. A healthy gut microbiota activates immune cells in a balanced manner, suppresses excessive inflammatory responses, and alleviates allergy and asthma symptoms.

 

 

◇How to increase beneficial bacteria in the gut

 

How can we increase beneficial gut bacteria? The easiest way to maintain gut health in daily life is through proper dietary habits.

 

It is good to consume plenty of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, as well as fermented foods like miso and yogurt that contain high amounts of probiotics, in order to increase the proportion of beneficial bacteria.

 

Avoid consuming greasy instant foods or processed foods containing large amounts of food additives. Getting enough restful sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress are also ways to improve gut microbiome health.

 

=================

It seems like I've seen a lot of beneficial gut bacteria.

There is also a way to increase it.

I think the most important part is (dietary habits).