Diet plays a major role in shaping the bacteria that live in the gut.
According to Healthline, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fermented foods are particularly beneficial.
Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can also help maintain a healthy gut.
On the other hand, a diet high in sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, and processed meat can make it more difficult for beneficial gut bacteria to thrive, Healthline reports.
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More than digestion
The many bacteria in the gut do more than just help digest food.
According to research published in journals such as the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and reviewed by Healthline, gut bacteria may also affect the body's energy metabolism, blood sugar regulation, and inflammation.
Research published in Gut Microbes also suggests that the gut and the brain are constantly communicating with each other.
This may influence how hungry or full a person feels.
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Only part of the picture
When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, it may become more difficult to regulate appetite and the body's use of energy.
However, researchers emphasize that gut bacteria alone do not determine whether a person gains or loses weight.
According to Healthline, everyday habits such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress remain far more important for maintaining a healthy weight than gut bacteria alone.
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