From the moment you’re born (and possibly even before), your gut microbiota – which is the collection of microorganisms that call our gut “home”, are shaping your health. In fact, as we grow from babies to toddlers to adults, this squad of microbes multiply and diversify, highly influenced by our diets, lifestyle, and even our genes.
“Think of the gut like a bustling city, home to over 40 trillion “citizens” (microorganisms) from over 40 000 different “families” (species). Just like citizens offer up various skills and services to their city, so too do our gut microbiota play their part in our own health. Not only does the gut microbiota help with digestion and absorption but is also helps make vitamins for our body – supporting the immune system and creating a strong highway of two-way communication with our brain,” says Leanne Kiezer, Registered Dietitian and Head of Corporate Affairs at Danone Southern Africa.
This “city” is 100 times larger than our skin, weighs around 200g and outnumbers our human cells by 10 to 1.
The challenge people experience despite the plethora of information at our fingertips, is how to protect and aid our gut health to ensure the gut microbiota is working to our advantage?
When it comes to the gut, the old saying ‘you are what you eat’ couldn’t be truer! Diet is a significant contributor to the health and diversity of your gut microbes, so making a few small tweaks to your diet can start your path to better gut health.
Make fermented dairy, like yoghurt and dairy snacks with live cultures, your gut’s best friend. Regularly indulging in these fermented dairy products could not only increase your gut microbiota by 10 000 times, but studies have shown that yoghurt fans tend to have healthier eating habits and be more active. In fact, The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently qualified a health claim that eating yoghurt regularly, at least 2 cups per week, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
“This is why health professionals often advocate for having dairy with live cultures in your daily diet. Not to mention that it’s a convenient and tasty food for the whole family,” continues Kiezer.
Think dairy-based snacks for school lunchboxes, a maas milkshake after workouts, or enjoying a yoghurt at breakfast. These simple small steps not only allow your body to reshape its gut microbiome, and but having your daily dose of live cultures from dairy gives you a natural and affordable option towards your gut health journey.
“As we celebrate World Microbiome Day on 27 June under the theme for 2024 ’Celebrate your Gut’, it is critical that we educate people on the importance of gut health. While focusing on live cultures from dairy foods, also do your best to eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and up your daily fibre intake,” says Kiezer.
“There are some incredible resources out there to help you with good gut health, so read up, get educated and remember your journey to better health doesn’t have to be a difficult one, just take little steps each day – starting with your gut!” concludes Kiezer.
