Gut health matters

Discover how your “second brain” — the gut microbiome — shapes digestion, mood, and ageing health

- Seniors Today Desk

When you think about health in later life, you might picture the heart, joints, or memory. But increasingly, scientists are urging us to also pay attention to something that doesn’t get much spotlight: our gut microbiome. Far from being just about digestion, it’s now known as our second brain — and for good reason.

What exactly is the gut microbiome?

The gut microbiome (gut microbiota or gut flora), is a collection of trillions of microorganisms living mainly in the large intestine. These microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other tiny organisms. While the idea of “bacteria” might sound negative, most of them are beneficial.

Research published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology shows that a balanced gut microbiome supports:

e Digestion — breaking down complex foods like fibre.

e Immunity — training our immune system to recognise “friends” from “foes”.

e Vitamin production — including B vitamins and vitamin K.

e Protection — competing against harmful bacteria.

Essentially, these microbes are hard at work 24/7, quietly shaping your health.

Second brain