microbial number across the gastrointestinal tract

the gut bacteria

Bacteria are found in every place in our life, they live in or on the organism’s body including
plants, animals and humans. And as we know that not all the bacteria are harmful, there are
some bacteria that play a very important role in our body.
You may be surprised to know that you share your body with an enormous number of
bacteria that outnumber your own cells. They are present in different sites of your body, on
your skin, in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive organs. They are found there
in a mutualistic relationship where they benefit by obtaining nutrition and a place to live, and
in return, they protect you from potential invaders. Of these bacteria, your gut bacteria,
namely, your colonic bacteria are known to be the most influential on your health. They
regulate and contribute to many aspects of your physical and mental wellbeing.
The trillions of bacteria in the human gut affect our health in multiple ways including effects
on immune functions and metabolism. A rich and diverse gut microbiota is considered to
promote health providing the human host with many competences to prevent chronic
diseases. In contrast, poor diversity of the gut ecosystem is a characteristic feature of chronic
diseases including obesity, diabetes, asthma and gut inflammatory disorders. (Fouhy, 2012).
New studies are revealing secretes about an interesting phenomenon: the effect exerted by
gut bacteria on the brain. This phenomenon is the subject of this booklet. In the next pages,
the composition of gut flora, the means by which it‟s acquired and influenced and the means
by which it communicates with the brain will be discussed. In addition, the effect of these
creatures on different aspects of brain development, function and some disorders will be
stated. Finally, some advices that might help you maintain and enhance this microbial
community will be mentioned.