Paying attention to your gut health is one of the most important (and often overlooked) things you can do for your health. Currently, a lot of research has been done around the micro-biome and apparently a happy microbiome is the secret to good health. 

Not all research has confirmed or identified all of the bacterial strains teeming in our guts but 5 new books break down what you need to know to transform your body's second brain. 

We carry up to 2 kg of microbes in our gut, and there are at least 1,000 species of bacteria consisting of over 3 million genes. Two thirds of the gut microbiome, which is the population of microbes in the intestine is unique to each individual. 

Understanding how these influence your overall health is crucial. Most people know that bacteria in our gut plays a major role in digestion. If the stomach or small intestines are unable to digest certain foods, gut microbes jump in to offer a helping hand, ensuring we get the nutrients we need. 

Gut bacteria also helps in the production of certain vitamins like B and K which help with immune function. But now researchers are working to discover just how much of our gut bacteria is unique to each person and how it influences overall health and risk of disease.

Most studies point at a correlation between obesity risk and gut microbiome. 

Books for understanding your gut better:

1. Clean Eats by Alejandro Junger
2. Drink Your Way to Gut Health by Molly Morgan
3. The Gut Balance Revolution by Gerard Mullin
4. The Skinny Gut Diet by Brenda Watson
5. The Good Gut by Justin Sonnenburg
6. Brain Maker by David Perlmutter

Beat Belly Bloat

• Slow down on your salt and sugar intake
• Drink more water to flush your system out and stay away from carbonated drinks, even seltzer 
• Limit the amount of artificial sweeteners
• Try chamomile and peppermint tea
• Eat more fiber
• Drink less coffee
• Increase your potassium intake: found in bananas, asparagus, citrus fruits, melon and tomatoes
• Get active: Go for a 20-minute walk or run. You'll feel rejuvenated