Get to grips with the gut bacteria!

We’ve all got guts. Around 25 feet of them, in fact. That’s a lot to get your head around!

Your microbiome matters, which is why getting to grips with gut bacteria is important. The trillions of microbes living in your gut have an important job to do, so let’s explore the role they play in our digestive health together…

An introduction to the gut bacteria

What is the gut microbiota?

Microbes are tiny living organisms that are too small to see without a microscope. Bacteria are a type of microbe that you find in your gut. There are other organisms in our gut including fungi, viruses and archaea that make up the variety of the organisms in the gut. Everyone is different, but it’s estimated that, if we looked at everyone’s gut, we would find around a thousand types of bacteria living there!

Why is your gut microbiota so important?

Your gut microbiota has many functions, including defending against harmful microorganisms and digesting dietary fibre, that humans are unable to digest. Your microbiota also eases the production and absorption of some essential vitamins, and could even impact your mental health. It can also have an influence on the immune system.

Scientists only recently, in research terms, mapped the human gut microbiome. There is so much more we need to learn from research about the interaction between us and the ecosystem within our large bowel. Early research suggests that some of the initial changes that lead to diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (a brain disease) actually start with the gut microbiome.

What can you influence when it comes to your gut microbiota?

There are many factors at play that can influence the gut microbiota. You can only influence your gut microbiota to an extent, and some influences even begin before you’re born!

Some factors we can influence include:

• Infant feeding methods ie breast milk (note: some women can’t breastfeed) and artificial milk and introduction of solid food
• Any medication such as antibiotics, acid suppressants and more (don’t stop taking any medicines that your doctor has advised you to take)
• Dietary habits and the way food is cooked
• Environment and lifestyle factors ie rural vs urban, and exercise
• Having a higher than healthy bodyweight

Some factors we can’t influence include:

• Some women are unable to breastfeed, so they can’t influence this
• Genetics
• Gestational age; whether you’re born pre-term vs. full-term
• Delivery mode; vaginal delivery vs. C-section
• Ageing

What can you do to help your gut microbiota thrive?

The food you eat is the main fuel for your gut microbiome. Some of the food that you eat does not absorb inside your body (fibre), but feeds the trillions of microorganisms that live in your gut. This part of the fibre that feeds these microbes is called a prebiotic. Following a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding smoking and doing regular exercise are things that can help your gut microbiota to thrive.

What’s next?

Next month, we’ll be getting to grips with prebiotics and probiotics.

We’ll be sharing more information about foods which contain probiotics and prebiotics, and how tolerance of these can vary if you have a digestive condition.

For now, why not check out the health and lifestyle section of our website to discover more about healthy eating and how to increase your fibre intake.

What have we learnt so far?

In our first posts of the series, we learnt some of the ‘basics’ about the digestive system, and all about the upper gastrointestinal/GI tract. You can catch up using these links:

• Get to grips with the digestive system
• Get to grips with the upper GI tract
• Get to grips with the lower GI tract

Are you eager to learn more?

We have information about the digestive system and over 40 digestive conditions and symptoms, which can be found here. You can also follow us on social media by searching ‘gutscharityuk’ to learn more, keep up to date with the work we do and take part in vital awareness campaigns to help us spread the word that our guts deserve better. It’s time for the UK to get to grips with guts!

About Guts UK

Guts UK is the national charity for the digestive system. We are the only UK charity funding research into the whole digestive system.

People are suffering. People are dying. All because of a lack of knowledge about our guts. Guts UK exists to change that. 

With new knowledge, we will end the pain and suffering for the millions affected by digestive diseases. Please consider donating today. Your donation will help fund research leading to earlier diagnoses, kinder treatments and ultimately, a cure.