Bloating, memory problems, weight gain, depression, heartburn, mood swings, allergies, fatigue, frequent colds, indigestion and joint pain . . . This vast range of symptoms can all be caused by one thing – an imbalance of the bacteria in your gut. They may be small but the microorganisms that live in your gut play a vital role in your health and wellbeing. They help you to digest your food, help your body to metabolise nutrients and support your immune system.
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Many don’t give their gut bacteria a second thought, but Nuraan Khan from East London in the Eastern Cape learnt just how important it is when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2004. At first Nuraan thought she had a tummy bug. But when her symptoms kept returning every few weeks, she realised it must be more serious.