#15 Meet Your Gut Microbes – The Hidden Bosses of Your Health
Did you know your gut has more microbes than you have human cells?
It’s wild! For every one of your own cells, there are at least 10 tiny organisms living in and on you.
These microbes are involved in almost everything:
Your digestion, immune system, brain chemistry, weight, energy levels, your cravings. Some scientists even say they influence your personality! (Makes me ask the question: Who am I then really!?)
In fact, some scientists say your gut microbes might be more in charge of your decisions than you are. That chocolate craving? Might not even be you—it could be your bugs begging for sugar.
What are microbes?
Microbes are tiny bacteria, yeasts, and viruses that live mostly in your colon (lower gut). You have microbes everywhere: in your mouth and on your skin.
Your gut microbes:
- Break down food
- Absorb nutrients
- Make vitamins like B12 and K
- Keep bad bacteria in check
- Boost mood by helping make serotonin (your happy hormone)
Can gut microbes really make you gain weight?
Yep. Some studies show that people with certain kinds of gut bacteria extract more calories from the same food and store more fat.
There’s even a famous study where gut microbes from overweight humans were transplanted into mice—and the mice gained weight, without changing their diet.
Basically: your microbes can influence how much energy you get from food, how much fat you store, and even how hungry you feel.
Reference:
Ridaura VK et al., 2013. Gut microbiota from twins discordant for obesity modulate metabolism in mice. Science. 341(6150):1241214.
So how do we get better bugs?
Here’s the good news: you can change your gut microbiome—by changing your food.
Your gut bugs feed on what you feed them. The science says fibre are the good bugs’ favourite food. To get more fiber.
If you eat lots of processed food, sugar, and additives, then the bad bugs and yeasts start to take over. The problem is, the bad bugs take over your brain to get them more of the food they love! It’s a tough fight!
Real foods that love your gut:
- Legumes – beans, lentils, split peas
- Greens – spinach, morogo, kale, cabbage
- Whole grains – oats, unsifted maize, brown rice
- Fermented foods – maas, plain yoghurt (unsweetened), sauerkraut, kombucha
- Fruits and veggies – especially ones with skins and seeds
- Raw garlic, onions, leeks – natural prebiotics (food for the bugs)
Diversity = a happy, strong gut.
And what messes these little bosses up?
- Artificial sweeteners – like aspartame and sucralose. Artificial sweeteners could even make you fat in the long run!
- Ultra-processed food – the less real it is, the worse it is for your microbes
- Stress and poor sleep – your gut bugs like naps
- Antibiotics – necessary sometimes, but they wipe out good bugs too (eat fermented foods afterwards to help rebuild)
How do I know if my gut is out of balance?
Some signs:
- Bloating, gas, heartburn
- Cravings (especially for sugar or carbs)
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Skin issues
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Trouble losing weight
(If this list sounds familiar—Your gut might need a little TLC.)
Your bugs respond to consistency, not perfection.
So the next time you’re tempted by those artificial snacks, remember: you’re feeding an entire ecosystem inside you.
And they vote—with cravings.
So perhaps my craving for those white easter eggs are actually coming from a colony of microbes who want the ingredients in those chocolates in order for them to thrive….and they have convinced me that I need them too!
