Digestion
First and foremost, the bacteria in a stomach play a large role when it comes to digestion. While our body produces enzymes as well as stomach acids that break down food, bacteria also helps in this regard.
In particular, bacteria can help digest more complicated starches and complex carbohydrates. Some of the food that we eat “ferments” in our digestive tract, where it is broken down by bacteria. Once it’s broken down, our body can readily absorb these nutrients.
Bacteria are also responsible for producing some vitamins our body needs. Bacteria in our gut are useful in synthesizing vitamin K, as well as different B vitamins.
One example is vitamin B12, which isn’t found in plants and animals and is only created by bacteria. This means that aside from vitamin supplements, the only other way to get it is from our gut flora.
Protection from disease
Another function of our gut flora is immunity. Some types of bacteria found in our digestive tract can stimulate immune cells, and help break down toxic compounds in food and drink. Aside from this, the bacteria in our digestive tract can also fight off harmful bacteria.
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