Knowing the bacteria in your gut can also help people with type 2 diabetes. Your gut area runs from your mouth to the end of your intestines, with a focus on your stomach and intestines. Learn more about gut bacteria and how it is linked to diabetes.
- Intestinal bacteria have been linked with conditions such as Crohn’s disease and obesity. A recent study also showed a link with type 2 diabetes. According to the research, in people with type 2 diabetes, the balance of the normal gut bacteria was disrupted with unwanted pathogens that could be linked with the spread of the disease. Additionally, a butyrate-producing bacteria was mostly absent among people with diabetes. Butyrate-producing bacteria may play a protective role against various diseases, including diabetes. It also nourishes cells in the colon and in low supply, has been linked to colorectal cancer.
- Achieving balance in your gut can help diabetes and may ward off related conditions such as obesity. Losing just 5 to 7 percent of your total body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes and keeps your gut healthier. Exercising regularly also helps insulin and blood sugar levels.
- Get to know more about your micro biome, which is your body’s unique group of microbes. This includes fungi, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. These microbes are everywhere including your skin, nose, mouth and digestive tracts. Your micro biome is unique to you, though part of it is inherited from your mother. Researchers are discovering it could be linked with a variety of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, allergies and cancer.
- There can be as many as 1,000 various species of bacteria in your gut. The species are based on different factors. Your age, where you live and the foods you consume can help determine the type of bacteria found in your gut. There are “good” and “bad” types of gut bacteria. Probiotics are considered to be good bacteria. They are found in foods such as yogurt and can be taken as a supplement to help restore balance in the gut which can help digestion. Typically there are not enough good bacteria in the gut. Bad bacteria can then dominate, causing a microbial imbalance called dysbiosis. This can be a factor with conditions such as allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes and obesity. Adding good bacteria to your gut can help reduce the chances of getting this health problem. A recent study also indicated that probiotic supplements can help people control their appetite and help lose weight. Unhealthy gut bacteria can contribute to food cravings that get people off track.
- Eating certain foods with probiotics can help you maintain healthier gut bacteria. These foods include yogurt with active and live cultures, kefir, buttermilk and pickled or fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi. Soy products such as soy sauce, miso, tempeh, soy milk and sourdough bread are also beneficial. Add prebiotics to your diet with foods such as bananas, berries, oatmeal, asparagus, leeks, onion, chicory, garlic, artichokes and legumes such as kidney beans, black beans, lentils and chickpeas.
- Try to consume 25 to 38 grams of fiber each day to promote the growth of good bacteria by eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Limit your intake of fatty foods and refined carbohydrate foods. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about taking a probiotic supplement. Do not take probiotics if you are very ill or have a suppressed immune system. Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements. Discuss antibiotics with your health care team to find out if they are necessary. While they can be lifesaving in certain situations, in others they can kill beneficial flora in your gut so always inquire about alternative treatments. Review ways to maintain optimum health with your doctor, such as using a blood glucose monitor and a blood pressure monitor to keep track of your well-being.
While much still needs to be learned about gut bacteria and its link with health conditions such as diabetes, there is evidence the bacteria in your gut make a difference. Talk to your doctor about the proper diet and your intake of probiotics. Incorporate healthy foods into your diet and exercise regularly to feel your best.
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