Our gut is the most densely populated place in the world
This marvel, about seven meters long, is home to trillions of tiny organisms that produce hormones and neurotransmitters. These affect the brain and serve as its most important advisor. What can you learn from this, and how can we help the gut stay healthy? Here are some interesting facts compiled for you!
The power of the gut barrier should not be underestimated
At 200 m², the surface of the small intestine is 100 times larger than the entire surface of our skin. The body can absorb nutrients and fluids over this vast area. However, the many folds and protrusions of the intestine also allow harmful microorganisms and germs to penetrate. To prevent this from happening, the gut has various helpers that support it in its defense:
- the microbiome ("gut flora")
- the intestinal mucosa
- the gut-associated immune system (GALT)
Together, they form the so-called gut barrier, which fends off most attacks from germs early on or successfully combats them. Most pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, are directly fought by stomach acid. If they manage to penetrate this barrier, the immune cells of the intestinal wall come into play.
The GALT, the largest accumulation of important immune cells
It's hard to believe, but the GALT is located in the intestinal mucosa and is the largest accumulation of important immune cells in our body. About 70% of immune cells live here, stimulating the production of various immune cells while managing to differentiate between "good" and "bad" substances and allowing important nutrients to pass through. The gut is much more than our daily helper in digesting our food intake. It helps the brain with immune defense and nourishes the brain with much important information. Neuroscientists now speak of the gut-brain axis, which is believed to significantly influence brain development. Precisely for this reason, we should not make it even harder for our gut with unhealthy eating.
Prebiotics and Probiotics: Foundations for Gut & Microbiome
Prebiotics
are food components that are difficult for the gut to digest. Most of you will know these components as dietary fiber. They are super important for the healthy development of beneficial gut bacteria. They cannot be fully broken down by digestive enzymes and serve as food for the good bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics include, for example, grains, asparagus, chicory, onions, garlic, and bananas.
Probiotics
Probiotics are defined living microorganisms that must be consumed in sufficient quantities to be classified accordingly.
Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or unpasteurized kombucha can also contain live microorganisms. However, this does not automatically make them a probiotic.
Depending on the manufacturing process, pickled or fermented vegetables can also contain live microorganisms, thus adding additional diversity to a varied diet.
The microbiome is in close exchange with many processes in the human body. A balanced diet with sufficient fiber is therefore an important part of a gut-friendly diet.
Even your mood can be influenced by your gut!
Researchers have shown that the gut and brain communicate closely via various signaling pathways. The microorganisms of the gut flora can also play a role in this. This so-called gut-brain axis includes, among other things, nerve connections, metabolic products, and neurotransmitters that can be related to mood and well-being. Serotonin and other neurotransmitters also play an important role in this complex interaction.
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