The human gut has hidden clues to many complex issues related to our well-being.
AMIT VERMA*, 32, HAD A BAD BOUT OF STOMACH infection. So he went to his chemist and helped himself to some anti- biotics, available easily over the counter. However, when his symptoms did not subside after a couple of courses of antibiotics, he approached Dr Ajay Bhalla, a gastroenterologist for help. Bhalla immediately spotted Verma’s case as yet another instance where the patient had taken antibiotics injudiciously and developed antibioticinduced diarrhoea. He asked Verma to stop all medication and put him on probiotics for five days, which ultimately settled his stomach.
What exactly are probiotics and how do they keep us healthy? Before we get to that, let’s first look into our gut. Our intestines are aflush with a vast colony of bacteria—some 1,000 trillion of them—of different species. These intestinal flora, or microbiota, together form an environment known as the microbiome and make up a sort of organ, whose purpose is being revealed to science only now. The gut and the flora are in a mutually beneficial relationship and the microbiota’s influence on our body is nothing short of profound.
According to Justin and Erica Sonnenburg, researchers at the department of microbiology and immunology at Stanford Medicine and authors of The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-Term Health, microbiota release chemicals during the fermentation processes that take place in our gut. “These reaction products perform important biological tasks for us: tuning our immune system, helping us fend off disease-causing bacteria and regulating our metabolism,” they write.
Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av Reader's Digest India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av Reader's Digest India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
READER'S DIGEST-BOOKS
These book summaries highlight Siddharthya Roy's exploration of conflict and violence, Michael Castleman's deep dive into the history of publishing, and Swadesh Deepak's examination of social issues and masculinity through Hindi literature.
Man with printed sarong
A lawyer, pianist, critic, and mentor to artists, Lionel Wendt is best known for his photographs of Sri Lanka, especially those of people indigenous to the island, captured amidst the lush landscape or posing in his studio.
Too Much?
New studies show that even moderate drinking is a health hazard. Here’s a frank look at the toll alcohol takes on the body
ME & MY SHELF
Coimbatore-born Prashanth Srivatsa is a science fiction/fantasy writer whose stories have appeared in magazines such as Asimov’s, Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among others. Prashanth’s debut fantasy novel, The Spice Gate chronicles the journey of Amir, a young man born with special abilities who unravels the power that keeps the world in balance. magazines such as Asimov's, Magazine of Fantasy Science Fiction and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among others. Prashanth’s debut fantasy novel, The Spice Gate chronicles the journey of Amir, a young man born with special abilities who unravels the power that keeps the world in balance.
Small Business, Big Heart
Caring for people is part of the deal at family-run shops
Spill the Beans
Everyone has secrets. Here's why you should share yours
It Happens ONLY IN INDIA
Angry lovers are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.
FULL STEAM AHEAD!
I GOT THE CHANCE TO DRIVE THE WORLD'S LAST SCHEDULED STEAM TRAIN
Stressed and Worn Down
More and more people are clenching and grinding their teeth. Here's what to do about it
THIS BACON FAKERY MUST STOP
I was recently given bacon-flavoured dental floss for my birthday.