5 Ways to Improve Your Insulin by Improving Your Microbiome

Bacteria are a natural part of the human body. They are present in the gastrointestinal tract and play both intestinal and extraintestinal roles. There are also bacteriophages, fungi, and protozoa — all residents of the human body. Altogether, their collective genome is called the microbiome. In the human body, there are roughly 10 times more microbial cells than human cells, showing their importance in maintaining homeostasis.

Role in Health

The microbiome provides immunity and protects against pathogens. It helps the immune system develop and improves its ability to detect foreign agents, which also reduces the risk of autoimmune disease. The microbiome also aids in digestion and the absorption of certain vitamins.

Role in Improving Insulin

As far as insulin is concerned, the microbiome plays a significant role directly or indirectly. Poorly regulated insulin levels can lead to hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, shock, stroke, and even death. Here are five ways an improved microbiome helps regulate insulin:

1. By Affecting Insulin Resistance

These organisms play an important role in decreasing insulin resistance — the condition where body cells become less sensitive to insulin. Lactobacillus species are particularly effective at reducing this effect.

2. By Affecting Digestion

A healthy microbiome aids digestion, which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Since insulin acts on glucose, regulating glucose automatically helps regulate insulin.

3. By Decreasing Obesity

The microbiome has extraintestinal effects including regulation of cholesterol synthesis and fat distribution in adipose tissue, which in turn decreases insulin resistance.

4. By Regulating Bile Acids and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Microorganisms regulate the secretion of bile acids and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and support gluconeogenesis in the liver. As glucose is regulated, insulin secretion is automatically affected.

5. By Directly Acting on the Pancreas

The pancreas is the main source of insulin in the human body. The microbiome reaches the pancreas by regulating bile levels, exerting a direct influence on insulin production — including during hyperglycemic states.

Summary

The microbiome is essential for the human body. These organisms, present in large and diverse amounts, regulate and improve insulin levels through at least five distinct mechanisms. If you want good insulin balance, supporting your microbiome is a solid place to start.