The Milky Way is home to 100,000 thousand million stars. There are so many, it’s difficult for the human brain to comprehend and visualize. But if we’re talking numbers, our own bodies can beat the galaxy. Our guts contain trillions of bacteria, all of which play a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Research suggests that gut health may be able to influence everything from anxiety to bloating to serious digestive conditions, which is why it’s so important to take it seriously. There are many things that can have an impact, like high levels of stress and lack of sleep, but diet also plays a big role.
Here, we’ve helped to pick out some of the best vegan foods and recipes for optimal gut health. But first, let’s take a look at what the gut actually is.
What is the gut?
While it’s commonly referred to as simply “the gut,” this term refers to the gastrointestinal tract. It includes several organs, including the esophagus (the long tube that carries food to the stomach from the throat), the stomach itself, and the small and large intestines.
The whole system is packed with microorganisms (not to freak you out, but these are tiny living creatures), and most of them, around 90 percent, are bacteria. These microorganisms are what experts mean when they refer to the “gut microbiome.”
Overall, the gut microbiome is bigger than our brains and weighs roughly two kilograms—that’s about the same as a standard-size brick.
Types of gut bacteria
There are many different forms of bacteria, but our gut has five main types: Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. They have an important role to play in the day-to-day function of our bodies. They help to break down food, for example, providing us with important nutrients.
But the role of gut bacteria is far bigger than just digestion. Too much “bad” bacteria can increase the likelihood of painful and uncomfortable conditions. In 2020, research suggested there may be a link between a genus of bacteria called Brachyspira and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for example. There is also evidence to suggest that people who suffer from Crohn’s disease have higher levels of another type of bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae.
On the other hand, Bifidobacteria is a form of good bacteria. Some of its strains may help to protect against bad bacteria and relieve painful IBS symptoms, like stomach pain and bloating. Lactobacillus acidophilus is another helpful genus of bacteria, it can help the body to absorb nutrients and keep “bad” bacteria under control.
Research suggests that other types of good gut bacteria can also have a big impact on mental health. Lactic acid bacteria, for example, can produce Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, which can help to calm us down. It regulates nerve cell hyperactivity, which is associated with anxiety and stress.
