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 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 huge area. However, the many folds and protrusions of the intestine also allow harmful microorganisms and germs to penetrate. To prevent this, the gut has various helpers that support it in its defense:
- the microbiome ("gut flora")
- the intestinal mucosa
- the gut-associated immune system (also GALT from English gut associated lymphoid tissue)
Together, they form the so-called intestinal barrier, which wards off most attacks from germs early on or fights them successfully. In most cases, many pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or fungi are directly combated by stomach acid. Should they have penetrated this barrier, the immune cells of the intestinal wall come into play.
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. Around 70% of the immune cells live here, stimulating the production of various immune cells and at the same time managing to decide between "good" and "bad" substances and allowing important nutrients to pass through. The gut is much more than our daily helper in digesting the food we eat. It helps the brain with immune defense and nourishes the brain with a lot of important information. Neuroscientists now speak of the gut-brain axis. This is said to significantly influence brain development. Precisely for this reason, we should not make it additionally difficult for our gut with an unhealthy diet.
Prebiotics and Probiotics – How to help your gut
Prebiotics
are food components that are difficult for the gut to digest. Most of you will know these components as fiber. They are super important for the healthy development of beneficial gut bacteria. They cannot be completely 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
are living microorganisms that enter the intestine and can have a positive effect on gut health. Probiotic germs can be found not only in yogurt and kefir, but also in fermented drinks such as our kombucha and kimchi. Pickled or fermented vegetables can also contain plenty of probiotics and support your gut flora.
Various studies provide evidence that diseases such as
- dementia
- Parkinson's
- Multiple sclerosis
- depression
can be promoted by a disturbed intestinal system. Take your gut seriously and don't take abdominal pain and a weak immune system for granted. After antibiotic treatment, for example, it is essential to rebuild the protective intestinal bacteria.
Your mood can also be influenced by your gut!
Researchers at a university in Ireland made the exciting observation that the microbes of the gut flora can influence the brain and your mood through various mechanisms. Our gut bacteria are, for example, essential building blocks for the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It can happen that a disturbed gut flora contributes to preventing the conversion of important neurotransmitters. Our gut also plays a significant role in the formation of melatonin, which is needed for sleep.
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