Our gut is the most densely populated place on earth
This marvel, which is around seven meters long, is home to trillions of small organisms that produce hormones and messenger substances. These work right into the brain and serve as the most important advisor. What can you learn from this and how can we help the gut to stay healthy? Here are a few interesting facts for you!
The strength of the intestinal 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 liquids over this huge area. However, the many folds and protuberances of the intestine also allow harmful microorganisms and germs to penetrate. So that this does not happen, the intestine has various helpers who support it in its defense:
- the microbiome (“intestinal flora”)
- the intestinal mucosa
- the gut-associated immune system (also known as GALT for gut-associated lymphoid tissue)
Together they form the so-called intestinal barrier, which fends off most attacks from germs at an early stage or successfully combats them. In most cases, the many pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or fungi are fought directly by the stomach acid. If they have penetrated this barrier, the immune cells of the intestinal wall come into play.
The GALT, the largest collection of important defense cells
It's hard to believe, but the GALT is located in the intestinal mucosa and is the largest accumulation of important defense cells in our body. Around 70% of the immune cells live here, which stimulate the production of a wide variety of defense cells and at the same time manage to decide between “good” and “bad” substances and allow 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 the immune system and nourishes the brain with a lot of important information. Neuroscientists now speak of the gut-brain axis. This is said to have a significant influence on the development of the brain. For this very reason, we should not make it even more difficult for our intestines with an unhealthy diet.
Prebiotics and probiotics - How to help your gut
prebiotics
are food components that are difficult for the intestine to digest. Most of you will know these components as dietary fiber. They are super important for the healthy development of benign intestinal bacteria. They cannot be fully broken down by the digestive enzymes and serve as food for the good bacteria in the gut. Examples of prebiotics include grains, asparagus, chicory, onions, garlic and bananas.
probiotics
are living microorganisms that get into the intestine and can have a positive effect on intestinal health. In addition to yoghurt and kefir, probiotic bacteria can also be found in fermented drinks such as our kombucha and kimchi . Pickled or fermented vegetables can also contain plenty of probiotics and support your intestinal flora.
Various studies have provided evidence that diseases such as
- dementia
- Parkinson's
- multiple sclerosis
- depressions
can be favored by a disturbed intestinal system. Don't take your gut seriously and don't take stomach aches 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 have made the exciting observation that gut microbes can affect the brain and your mood through a variety of mechanisms . Our intestinal bacteria are, for example, essential building blocks for the messenger substances serotonin and dopamine. It can happen that a disturbed intestinal flora contributes to preventing the conversion of the important messenger substances. Our intestines are also significantly involved in the formation of the melatonin required for sleep.
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