Microbe Formulas: Are Gut Microbiome Tests Accurate Or Worth It

Updated on December 20, 2019

Personal health refers to the overall wellbeing of an individual in terms of physical, mental, social and economic aspects. However, if any of these aspects of an individual’s life are not healthy, the consequences can be tragic. As the popular proverb states, healthy life begins with a healthy body; maintaining physical fitness can help support the other aspects of life.

Now, it is needless to say that a good diet and regular exercise are the touchstones for good health. But, are these enough? According to leading medical institutions and professionals, there are a lot many factors that can affect your physical health, including environmental and bodily ones. So…what are these factors? Or, rather…what should you be doing to stay fit?

Without any further ado, let us take you through some of the rarest and unknown facts which can surely help you keep diseases at bay.

Dissolved Sugars Are More Harmful

Though sugars are known to be the quickest source of energy, all sugars are not the same. Consumables with high sugar content are usually the cause of many leading health disorders. Especially, sugary drinks such as soda, processed fruit drinks, maple syrups, and alike. According to a study, sugary drinks are found to be a leading cause of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and many more disorders. The most stunning reason in support of this notion can be found in the psychological studies, which state the fact that sugars from liquids are not perceived the same way as that from solid food sources. As a result, you end up consuming more calories which are stored as excess fats around your body organs. Thus leading to unfamiliar problems.

Improve Metabolism With Nutty Treats

Nuts are undoubtedly nature’s energy treats. Though they are high in fats, they also contain numerous nutrients and are incredibly healthy. For example, they are full of elementary nutrients such as magnesium, vItamin E, fiber, and many more. The fatty acids present in various nuts such as almonds and walnuts, help speed up the metabolism. They are helpful in weight loss and are also good at fighting away type-2 diabetes. It is the high protein and fiber content, essentially, which provides you with a quick boost in energy while making you feel fuller for longer.

Coffee Is Rather Good For Your Health

A common myth around coffee is, it can be addictive, which may lead to certain harmful effects. Even though it contains caffeine, it is associated with many health benefits. According to various studies, coffee helps fight against type-2 diabetes and is good for your heart. It is also suggestive that coffee can help avoid mental disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disorder. Another study in Japan revealed, people who consumed about 200 mg of caffeine before a power nap, felt more alert as compared to non-consumers. The same study also concluded that caffeine helps block adenosine, a hormone that causes fatigue. Thus leading to higher alertness.

Majority Of Health Issues Begin In Gut

The human body is host to a variety of microorganisms. The gut is where most of these can be found. And they are not harmful, given that they multiply in a controlled way. These microbes collectively create a microbiota, usually referred to as the gut microbiome. It is noteworthy that your gut microbiome is responsible for maintaining overall health. According to the article, https://microbeformulas.com/blogs/microbe-formulas/are-gut-microbiome-tests-accurate-or-worth-it/ getting to know your gut microbiome can help identify various symptoms associated with cardiac and mental disorders. For example, Parkinson’s disease and Anxiety disorders begin out of your gut, as stated in a study from the school of psychology at Harvard University. That being said, the importance of maintaining your gut health cannot be overstated.

Processed Foods Can Be Addictive

Well, to be honest, everyone has a cheat day, and enjoying it by spoiling yourself with some junk treats is totally cool. But, junk food or processed food is addictive. They are engineered to trigger your taste buds. According to a study- processed foods are low in fiber, proteins, and most of the micronutrients. It is important to note that processed foods supply your body with empty calories, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes. So, rather than spoiling your taste buds with processed food items, you can switch to seasonal and organic produce.

Poor Sleep Is Associated With Obesity

Good and refreshing sleep cannot be ignored. Rather its importance cannot be overstated. You already know the cranky and agitated feeling the morning you wake up from a restless sleep. Moreover, poor sleep can lead to disturbed bowel movements and reduced mental and physical performance. According to a study, poor sleep is one of the leading causes of the increased risk of obesity. The study concluded that poor sleep can lead to an 89% increased risk of obesity in kids and 55% in adults. This is because poor sleep can lead to insulin resistance and also disturbed appetite hormones. Thus, leading to disturbed metabolism.

Drink Water To Lose Your Weight

According to James Lee, MD Gastroenterologist at St. Joseph Hospital, Orange County, California, water helps dissolve fiber in the body. This leads to increased metabolic performance and therefore, clearing your body of the unwanted wastes. Two studies suggest drinking water before meals can improve digestion by up to 30%. Surprisingly, water can help burn more calories. For example, a person who consumes about 2 liters of water a day, burns around 96 additional calories within 1-1.5 hours. Isn’t this incredible- you can lose weight if you drink plenty of water.

Vitamin D Helps Lower Risk Of Cancer

Vitamin D helps absorb calcium in the bones, thus making sure of proper growth and development, especially in kids. In addition, vitamin D can also help lower the risk of cancer. The most easily available data for cancers in humans include colorectal, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer. According to various epidemiological studies, increased vitamin D level in the blood is associated with reduced risk of cancers in humans. Another study suggests that about 41.6% of Americans suffer from vitamin D deficiencies. This is primarily because most Americans lack proper exposure to sunlight, which is the most abundant source of Vitamin D.

Spices & Herbs Can Improve Longevity

Herbs do not need any introduction. Their renowned health benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For example, ginger and turmeric are known to assist metabolism, have antibiotic effects, and can also cure some of the diseases such as common flu. It is noteworthy that herbs and spices can also help improve immunity and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Since, we already know how the gut microbiome is responsible for most of the health issues, including herbs and spices into your diet can help keep them away. Thus, leading to a longer and healthier life.

Supporting physical health requires healthier choices. Dietary precautions and regular workout can surely support a healthy body, but you also need to be vigilant about any prevailing symptoms. If you observe any unusual symptoms, it is best that you get yourself diagnosed in time. And since you now understand how these trivial yet vital factors can benefit your wellness, it may get easier for you to make healthier choices. After all, a healthy body is what supports a healthy mind, and help you sustain healthy social and financial status. Thus, helping maintain your overall health effortlessly.

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.