The gut system is one of the most important parts in the body of a human being. In the gut, there are numerous microorganisms that help in various body functions including metabolism. To ensure, these functions are effective, there are chemical reactions that take place in the gut. The chemical reactions main function is to provide the energy needed for the synthesis of new substances in the body and for the vital processes in the body system. The body system has more bacterial cells compared to the cells the human body contains. In terms of energy and nutrition, there seems to be a variety of evidence showing that the ability of body system to synthesize a diet is being influenced by gut microbes (Elhenawy et al., 2017). This study is focused on finding some of the effects that gut microbes have on metabolism.
Despite the gut system containing many microbes, not all of them are harmful as some conduct important functions that lead to a healthy body system. The gut microbes are in charge of vital body functions including degradation and in the digestion of nutrients that the body is not capable of digesting (Yan et al., 2017). The human body contains numerous bacteria and they are often located in the intestines specifically the cecum. Various health practitioners have confirmed that there are various roles played by the presence of these microorganisms in the system. In the gut system, the microbes are charged with the communication with the body’s immunity thereby leading to the production of vital vitamins in the body that aid in the digestion process.
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The bacteria produce vitamins like vitamin K, this leads to a healthy outcome as communication is enhanced resulting in the body fighting off infections. The short-chain fatty acid produced by the gut microbes facilitates the interaction with the body. The interaction of the short-chain fatty acids with the G protein together with the coupled receptors (GPCRs) results to various effects in the adipocytes and peripheral organs including an effect on insulin sensitivity. The end result of this interaction between the G proteins together with the coupled receptors (GPCRs) is energy metabolism regulation.
Numerous studies have concluded that the microbes in the gut system have the capability to affect ones health. Additionally, they influence the manner in which different types of foods are digested in the body. Furthermore, the effect of an individual feeling satisfied, is as a result of the microbes affecting the cecum thereby producing chemicals including ghrelin, leptin and peptide YY (PYY). The chemicals make an individual feel fully satisfied. Through the intervention of controlling ones appetite, the microbes are able to control weight. Moreover, the microbes come into direct contact with the foods in the intestines, thereby choosing the type of nutrients the body absorbs and those that go to waste, additionally, they make the decisions on how the body stores energy gained from the absorbed nutrients.
A good example is the fact there are bacteria types that are capable of digesting fiber since the human body cannot. This act by bacteria in the cecum is vital as it helps the gut system efficiency and effectiveness in providing chemicals that aid in weight losing weight. Various studies conducted have confirmed that the more fiber digested by the microbes in the gut, the more weight lost and vice versa, hence it can be concluded that microbes are the determinants of an individual’s weight. This therefore means that microbes play a vital role in the fight against diseases like obesity which is being over-weight.
The microbes’ low ability to digest fiber may result to obesity. The two microbes known for this function are the Prevotella and the Bacteroidetes which are mostly found in the animal fats and proteins. Furthermore, the microbes found in the gut also prevent weight gain through digesting flavonoids which are antioxidants found in plants. Moreover, the gut bacteria affects the way the body stores fats as it has a great influence on how the intestines absorb the dietary fats.
Various studies have also associated the increase of various metabolic diseases to gut microbes. The contribution made by the microbes in the increase of obesity and metabolic diseases are clearly highlighted by the roles played by antibiotics, factors relating to diet, prebiotics and probiotics (Roberfroid et al., 2010). Inflammation in the gut microbes is often associated with disorders of the metabolic system. However, studies have shown that when the body system readies itself to fight infection by activating the immune system, then inflammation takes place. Furthermore, consumption of too much fats and sugar is unhealthy and may lead to chemicals that cause inflammation to be excess in the the body fat tissue and blood stream. These chemicals are unhealthy in the system as they contribute to weight gain.
There are chemicals known to cause inflammation, these chemicals such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are caused by certain species that pass in the blood. These bacteria that produce lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may contribute to resistance of the insulin and weight gain. Similarly, there are also some intestinal bacteria species aids in prevention of weight gain and inflammation reduction. There are two main bacteria species known for this function, the Akkermansia and Bifidobacteria bacteria. The main function of these two bacteria is ensuring they protect the body system from chemicals that cause inflammation, additionally; they are in charge of ensuring the gut is healthy (Elhenawy et al., 2017).
In conclusion, the gut microbes are vital to the body system hence their function should not be taken lightly as they prevent a lot of harm from the body system. The microbes have a very important role since the intestines are fundamental to the body. Given the importance of the gut, most microbes are located here. There are also foods that the body is not able to digest hence the gut microbes aid in this endeavor, an example of such foods are the fibers. Degradation and digestion are some of the most important functions of the gut microbes. Therefore, the presence of microorganisms is generally justified. The production of vitamins assists in body’s digestion. The communication of the body is effectively facilitated by the microorganisms. The microbes ensure the body is kept safe through providing chemicals that block harmful substances from accessing the blood. Therefore, the role played by microbes in the body is fundamental.
References
J Yan et al. (2017 Sep 29) Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota-Mediated Bone Remodeling; Gut Microbes 9 (1), 84-92.; PubMed: 28961041 PMC: PMC5914914 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2017.1371893
M Roberfroid et al. (2010) Prebiotic Effects: Metabolic and Health Benefits; Br J Nutr 104 Suppl 2, S1-S63. 8 2010. PubMed: 20920376 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114510003363
W Elhenawy et al. (2017 Sep 15). A Polymicrobial View of Disease Potential in Crohn's-Associated Adherent-Invasive E. Coli: Gut Microbes1-9; PubMed: 28914579 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2017.1378291
