How Do ‘Bacteria’ Help Us Digest Food and What Happens If They Don’t?

Bacteria are tiny helpers in your stomach and intestines. They help you break down food, like how a team of workers helps finish a big project. If they’re not there or if they get confused, it can cause tummy trouble or even make you feel sick.

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Examples

A child with lots of bacteria in their stomach can eat a big meal without trouble, but if they take antibiotics and kill the bacteria, they might feel bloated or have tummy aches.
Eating a lot of sweets can cause bad bacteria to grow more than good ones, making digestion harder.
When you have a tummy bug, your gut bacteria get confused, leading to diarrhea and cramps.

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Categories: Health · digestion,gut bacteria,microbiome