The gut flora

The gut flora, also known as the gut microbiome, is a collective term for all the different bacteria, yeasts, and fungi present in the large intestine.

What is the gut flora?

The gut flora, also known as the gut microbiome, is a collective term for all the different bacteria, yeasts, and fungi present in the large intestine. These microorganisms each perform different tasks in the body, and the types and amounts vary from person to person. Every gut flora is unique, comparable to your own fingerprint.

You can think of the gut flora as a village, full of different people who each have their own role. Just as every village is different—with some having more bakers, others more painters—each person has a different “village” in their gut, meaning a unique gut flora with various types and quantities of bacteria.

It doesn’t matter that each village or gut flora is different, as long as it is balanced. However, if there are too many of one type of bacteria or too few of another, the balance can shift. Certain medications, like antibiotics, can also reduce the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. By consuming prebiotic fibers, you nourish the gut bacteria, supporting their growth and helping to maintain balance in the gut.

Maintaining a healthy balance

To keep a normal balance, you can focus on several factors:

• Consuming enough healthy, fiber-rich foods
• Reducing stress
• Minimizing the use of antibiotics
• Ensuring sufficient physical activity

With a balanced gut flora, we can support our digestive function and overall digestion.