We can carry up
to 2 kg of microbes in our gut. Within the tens of trillions of micro-organisms
that live there are at least 1,000 species of bacteria consisting of over 3
million genes. What is more, two thirds of the gut microbiome - the population
of microbes in the intestine - is unique to each individual. But do you know
how your gut microbiota could be influencing your health?
Most of us
are aware that the bacteria in our gut play an important role in digestion.
When the stomach and small intestine are unable to digest certain foods we eat,
gut microbes jump in to offer a helping hand, ensuring we get the nutrients we
need.
In
addition, gut bacteria are known to aid the production of
certain vitamins - such as vitamins B and K - and play a major role
in immune function.
