Your microbiome is composed of bacteria, fungi, and many other beneficial microbes. In fact, there are hundreds of unique strains of bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract that play critical roles in maintaining your gut health.

Poor health choices and diet, taking powerful antibiotics, and not receiving high quality sleep can decrease the number of good bacteria in your gut. An insufficient amount of gut bacteria can cause poor immune communication and response, leading to higher infection rates.

Potential ways to avoid these negative outcomes include resetting your digestive system and reviving your microflora by consuming probiotic foods and taking a gut cleanse. 

If your diet lacks probiotics, consider adding a supplement that contains  strains of bacteria to prevent microbiome depletion. Ensure you’re picking a probiotic with various bacteria strains, as each strain contains different benefits and properties, which can help balance your microbiome. 

Hundreds of good bacteria strains, along with trillions of other valuable microorganisms, live in your large intestine. These strains of bacteria are known for their wide variety of health benefits. The primary benefits of good gut bacteria include: 

• Improving digestion – Certain bacteria strains digest prebiotics and fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that are essential sources of energy for gut bacteria.
• Immune system regulation – A healthy gut microbiome communicates with the immune system and controls responses to potential pathogens to prevent infection.
• Influencing brain health – Research suggests gut microflora is connected to enhancing brain health via the central nervous system, which improves mood and moderates depression symptoms.

Increasing your consumption of ‘good’ bacteria can improve your digestive, immune, and mental health. However, it is essential to note the importance of selecting a supplement with bacteria strains that provide a wide variety of benefits to your microbiome and that can survive in the gastrointestinal environment.