How Do ‘Bacteria’ Help Us Digest Food?

Imagine your stomach is like a kitchen, and bacteria are like little chefs who help cook the food so it’s easier to eat. They take big chunks of food and break them down into smaller pieces, making it simpler for your body to use all the good stuff inside.

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Examples

When you eat a big meal of beans, bacteria help turn them into gases that might make you feel bloated, but also give your body extra energy.
Bacteria in the gut can turn hard-to-digest foods like broccoli or apples into simpler sugars that are easy to use.
Some bacteria even help break down fats from cheese and butter so they don’t sit heavy in your stomach.

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Categories: Biology · digestion,microbiology,gut bacteria