How Much of Our Body Weight is Comprised of Bacteria?
December 20, 2023
Did you know that all the bacteria living in our body amount to approximately 0.3% of our body weight? That’s right, an astonishingly small amount of our total body weight is attributed to bacteria. But why does it matter? Let's break down what this means for our health and how we should incorporate it into our daily lives.
The Role of Bacteria in Our Body
Bacteria are naturally occurring organisms in our bodies, and they play a vital role in keeping us healthy. They act as defenders against harmful pathogens, aid in digestion, and even help synthesise vitamins and minerals that are essential for human life. We have a symbiotic relationship with the bacteria living inside us; they keep us healthy, while we provide the nutrients they need to survive.
Having a balanced amount of good bacteria is important for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome—the collection of all microorganisms and their genetic material within the digestive tract. If your gut microbiome is imbalanced due to an unhealthy diet or bad lifestyle choices (like smoking), it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, skin problems, constipation or diarrhoea, food intolerances, and other issues. So what can we do to maintain a healthy gut microbiome?
How Do We Balance Our Gut Microbiome?
The key to maintaining a balanced gut microbiome lies in having good dietary habits and leading an active lifestyle. Eating organic foods that contain natural probiotics like yogurt or kombucha helps introduce beneficial bacteria into your system. Also consider including fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, etc., which provide fuel for helpful bacteria in your gut microbiome. Additionally exercising regularly will help promote circulation throughout your entire body—including your digestive system—which helps remove toxins from your body and boosts immunity.
Conclusion:
So there you have it! All the bacteria living inside us only make up 0.3% of our total bodyweight but their importance cannot be overstated; these tiny organisms play an essential role in keeping us alive and well! To make sure we have the right balance of good microbes living inside us, it’s important to eat organic foods with natural probiotics like yogurt or kombucha while also making sure to exercise regularly so that circulation throughout the body remains optimally efficient at removing toxins from your system and boosting immunity. And don't forget—we need those microbes just as much as they need us!