GUT FLORA LEADS TO GOOD HEALTH, SAY RESEARCHERS

The gut microbiota, also known as gut flora, is a community of microbes found in the digestive tracts of humans. It consists of the largest collection of microbes found in the human body. Gastroenterologists say that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of health, immunity, digestion, nutrition, and in the metabolism of bile acids. It also acts as an endocrine organ.

A study conducted by researchers at the Macquarie University’s Department of Biological Sciences and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre has revealed that a fruit fly’s gut bacteria determine its reproductive health. The study claims that similarly, a person’s gut flora could also influence reproductive health and mating success.

Dr Naveen Polavarapu, a gastroenterologist, says, “We have evidence to prove that bad bacteria or infections in a person’s gut can lead to inflammation of the colon, which can cause problems in fertility.”

According to the study, the gut microbiota can play a role in determining the body mass of one’s offspring as well. “People with high body mass indexes have more bad bacteria. There are two kinds of bacteria present in our digestive tracts – good and bad. Gut infections often lead to the death of good bacteria. This could affect the body mass as gut flora plays an important role in the digestion of certain starches, fibres, oligosaccharides, and sugars.