If you have experienced any of the signs and symptoms we discussed in 10 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut, it might mean that your gut needs a little bit more attention. The good news is that making mindful adjustments to what you eat and how you live can positively impact your gut and overall well-being.

From unexplained fatigue to digestive discomfort, these 10 insights can help decipher if your gut health needs to be improved and if Jona may be of help.

Introduction

The gut microbiome is a complex and fascinating ecosystem of microorganisms that live inside our bodies. Most of the microbes in the gastrointestinal tract reside in the large intestine, with the rest found primarily in the small intestine and stomach as well as our mouth. The gut microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, archaea, and other microorganisms that are vital to our health and well-being. It is estimated that the number of microbial genes in the gut vastly exceeds the number of human genes. A similarly rough estimate of 1000 bacterial species in the gut with 2000 genes per species yields an estimate of 2,000,000 genes, 100 times the figure of approximately 20,000 human genes.  These numbers underscore the fact that we are not alone in our bodies. The composition and functioning of the gut microbiota have been linked to wide-ranging aspects of human health, including digestion, metabolism, immune system function, cancer, drug efficacy, obesity, longevity, athletic performance, Parkinson’s Disease, and even mental health. Understanding the genetic diversity of these microbes is crucial as it can provide insights into their potential roles in health and disease. Let’s then explore why the microbiome is so important to human health in more detail.