YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

Yes, Quite literally.

Trillions of microorganisms, also called microbes, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi exist  inside your intestines and on your skin.

In fact, there are more bacterial cells in your body than human cells. There are roughly 40 trillion bacterial cells in your body and only 30 trillion human cells, making you more bacteria than human 😌

What’s more, there are up to 1,000 species of bacteria in the human gut alone, and each of them plays a different role in your body. The collection of all microbes living colonizing the human gut is referred to as the h 'Human git microbiota'. These microbes may weigh as much as 1–2 kg, which is roughly the weight of your brain. Together, they function as an extra organ in your body and play a huge role in your health. Microbes have learned to play very important roles in the human body. In fact, without the gut microbiome, it would be very difficult to survive.

The gut microbiome begins to affect your body the moment you are born.You are first exposed to microbes when you pass through your mother’s birth canal. As you grow, your gut microbiome begins to diversify. Higher microbiome diversity is considered good for your health. Interestingly, the food you eat affects the diversity of your gut bacteria.

As your microbiome grows, it affects your body in a number of ways, including:

1) Digesting breast milk

2) Digesting fiber

3) Helps control your immune system

4) Helps control brain health

5) Effect on Weight- An imbalance of healthy and unhealthy microbes may contribute to weight gain

6) Affects gut health and an imbalance may result in intestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease.

7)Benefits Heart Health

8) Helps Control Blood Sugar and Lower the Risk of Diabetes

How Can You Improve Your Gut Microbiome?

There are many ways to improve your gut microbiome, including:

1) Eating diverse range of foods.

2) Eating fermented foods.

3) Limiting intake of artificial sweeteners.

4) Taking probiotic supplements.

5) Eating whole grains.

6) Trying a plant-based diet.

7) Take antibiotics only when necessary