Before enrolling in this course, I did not have much knowledge about the microbial communities especially in my stomach. However, after reading the articles assigned from this course, I now know the significance of the microbial communities play in our bodies. Choices that I make that positively impacts my microbial gut are consuming yogurt and multigrain fiber bars, fruits and vegetables. Prior to this course, I consumed these foods unintentionally because I enjoyed eating them. In yogurt and the fiber bars, they contain probiotics that help improve and restore my gut flora. I also eat kimchi, which contains bacteria that are beneficial for my microbiome.
When I think about my past nutritional choices and consumption, I never realized how I have unintentionally harmed my gut microbial communities. I did so through drinking alcohol and taking antibiotics. According to an article I read, alcohol causes an adverse effect on microbial health. Although, antibiotics are supposed to destroy harmful bacteria, antibiotics terminate both bad and good bacteria. After learning several things about the microbiome in my body, I will now be more conscious of what I can eat to help improve my gut microbiota to further prevent development of associated diseases.
