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Most of us never think about the trillions of microorganisms (aka microbiota) that live largely in our intestines. But they do everything from stimulating our immune systems and preventing us from getting sick to synthesizing vitamins so our bodies can benefit from them. The truth is, we should be thinking about our gut health?and doing everything we can to protect our microbiota so they can protect us?and our kids.
More and more research studies reveal the role good gut bacteria can play. In July 2021, researchers at the University of Alberta found a link between beneficial gut bacteria and advanced cognition and language skills in infant boys. In April 2022, University of Helsinki researchers discovered that even a single course of antibiotics can affect the delicate balance of a baby?s microbiome (the collection of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that naturally live on and in our bodies). One of the best ways to maintain healthy gut microbiota and prevent the potentially disruptive effects of antibiotics is by taking a daily dose of probiotics. Good gut health is important from day one
?Gut microbiota is what makes you special,? says Dr. Gianluca Ianiro, a gastroenterologist and researcher. ?We share more than 99.9 percent of the human genome with other people, but we share only 10 to 20 percent of the gut bacteria genome. Gut microbiota is what makes us unique.? That unique microbiome can be influenced from the moment we?re born...