We Are What We Eat Part 1

“All Disease Begins In The Gut “- Hippocrates

These days everyone is talking about the importance of gut health; its overall effect on body and mind. 5000 years back this was written in Ayurveda; gut health was considered as important as diet and lifestyle. Ayurveda talks about various kinds of Prakriti (constitution), based on the five elements of nature; and suggests diets and lifestyle based on our genetics, prakriti and what are our ancestral diet habits. Hence, it is important to get a personal diagnosis, and not go by what is generally a ‘good’ diet.

The food that we consume also feeds the hundreds of trillions of bacteria (Microbiota) living in our digestive system. For this reason, a varied and balanced diet is essential.

What is gut Microbiota ?

Gut microbiota is the microbe population living in our intestines.

Our gut microbiota contains tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of known bacteria with more than 3 million genes (150 times more than human genes). Microbiota can, in total, weigh up to 2 kg. One third of our gut microbiota is common in most people, while two thirds are specific to each one of us.

While each of us has a unique microbiota, it always fulfils the same physiological functions, with direct impact on our health.

Some of its functions are:

1.It helps the body to digest certain foods that the stomach and small intestine have not been able to digest.

2.It helps with the production of some vitamins (B and K).

3.It protects us from other invading organisms, maintaining a healthy gut environment and preserving the resources of the immune system.

5.A healthy and balanced gut microbiota ensures  proper digestive function.

According to Dr. Karen Scott this intestinal colonisation starts right after our birth and evolves as we grow.

The newborn’s digestive tract is quickly colonised by microorganisms from the mother (vaginal, faecal, skin, breast, etc.), the environment in which the delivery takes place, the air, etc. From the third day, the composition of the intestinal flora is directly dependent on how the infant is fed: breastfed babies’ gut microbiota, for example, is mainly dominated by Bifidobacteria, compared to babies nourished with infant formulas. (So - the importance of having appropriate diet and lifestyle pre and post pregnancy).

Scientists consider that by the age of 3, microbiota becomes stable and similar to that of adults, continuing its evolution at a steadier rate throughout life.

Environmental influences affect the composition of our microbiota causing its evolution throughout our entire life.

Gut microbiota’s balance can be affected during the ageing process and consequently, the elderly have substantially different microbiota to younger adults.

The composition of gut microbiota may become accustomed to dietary components, either temporarily or permanently.

That’s why it is important to follow the food habits of our ancestors. Our genes and microbiota are used to of those foods.

Many studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Prebiotics and probiotics on our gut microbiota. Prebiotics help improve the functioning of microbiota while allowing the growth and activity of some ‘good’ bacteria. Probiotics help gut microbiota keep its balance, integrity and diversity.

Prebiotics and probiotics are two of the most widely studied elements in the field of gut microbiota. Both have effects that are considered beneficial for the gut microbiota which impacts various functions of the body such as the digestive condition. For this reason, specialists highlight the importance of including both of them in our diet, in order to promote a healthy microbiota.

More about prebiotics and probiotics in Part 2