When I first started thinking about this post, the title that came to mind was Bellyaching. Because I’ve known for years that too much belly fat is not healthy and have fought an on and off, and currently losing, battle against it. Lately, though, I’m seeing and reading more about the “gut bacteria” (or gut germs) inside my belly – the hundreds and even thousands of different species of bacteria in the intestines, which are part of my “microbiome” as the collection of bacteria, viruses, yeast and fungi living in and outside our bodies are called. Belly fat might not be the only reason why a person unhealthy. It may be the microorganisms inside the belly.
Here’s what I’ve been reading:
– These microorganisms not only help digest food, but different balances in them may also influence diseases and conditions ranging from cancer to Parkinson’s, autism, anxiety, and depression. It seems certain neurological conditions that have traditionally been studied as brain disorders “may also have etiologies in the gut,” according to some researchers.
– Babies are born with their mothers’ microbiome and develop their own unique mix by the time they’re two.
– The Cleveland Clinic’s annual list of the “Top 10 Medical Innovations” that have the potential to transform healthcare in 2017 named “Using the microbiome to prevent, diagnose and treat disease” the number one innovation, predicting that the microbiome will become the healthcare industry’s “most promising and lucrative frontier.”
– Dozens of companies, foundations and universities have pledged millions of dollars to the National Microbiome Initiative in an attempt to understand how these bacteria, viruses, yeast and fungi can be used to help humanity.
– On the one hand, some researchers question the efficacy of “so-called probiotic products” on the market, saying scientists “are not sure which digestive bacteria are important for various aspects of health, and whether manipulating them even makes a difference.”
– On the other hand, Consumers Union, while acknowledging probiotics are no panacea, says research suggests the most effective probiotics are combinations of L.acidphilus, L.casei, L. rhamnosus, and S. boulardii. They also note that dietary supplements containing probiotics aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration and don’t have to prove they are safe and effective.Bottom line: It’s not only what and how much we eat, it’s also the gut germs waiting to digest it. (Or not.) Start tracking what you eat and your allergies and ask your Doctor what gut bacteria you have in your belly. Journal what your doctor tells you and the tests you take to know what gut bacteria are in your system. It may be the difference between you going or not going to the hospital for health issues. Something to think about.