Balanced gut flora crucial for health from "summary" of The Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer
The health of our gut is intimately connected with the health of our entire body. One of the key players in this relationship is the gut flora - the vast community of microorganisms that reside in our intestines. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining our overall well-being. When the gut flora is in balance, it helps to keep our digestive system functioning smoothly, supports our immune system, and even influences our mood and behavior. However, when the balance is disrupted - for example, due to poor diet, stress, or antibiotic use - it can lead to a variety of health issues. An imbalance in the gut flora, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and even mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. This is because the gut flora communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis, a complex network of pathways that allows the two to interact.- Including eating a diverse and fiber-rich diet, managing stress, getting regular exercise, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. By taking care of our gut flora, we can support our physical and mental health in profound ways.
