Why is the Gut Microbiome Important for my Health?
Our understanding of healthy microbiome patterns is still in its early stages. Nonetheless, several human studies have established the importance of a well-balanced gut microbiome.
The human gut microbiome is involved in both health and disease and it is now believed that it is a highly sophisticated and intelligent system.
It is no wonder that the Human Gut Microbiome is making headlines!
What is the Human Gut Microbiome?
Viruses, bacteria and fungi are among the microscopic living things known as microorganisms or simply “microbes”. Trillions of microbes live inside and on the human body and their genetic material is referred to as the microbiome.
Humans have evolved to live with microbes over millions of years during which these organisms became responsible for performing important functions in the human body. Even though there are many different microbes that live in your body, bacteria are the most widely studied. The majority of bacteria live in the gut, especially in the large intestine.
We are exposed to bacteria at birth when we pass through the birth canal. New evidence suggests that we might even come into contact with certain bacteria in the womb. Your microbiome diversifies as you get older and therefore it may contain a variety of microbial species by the time you reach adulthood.
Studies have revealed that high microbiome diversity is good for your health.
How Does the Microbiome Affect Your Body?
It would be difficult for us to survive without the human gut microbiome. Gut bacteria support various functions in our bodies.
- The bacteria found in the gut are able to produce vitamins (like B vitamins and vitamin K).
- These bacteria can also synthesize essential as well as non-essential amino acids
- Bacteria in the microbiome assist the body with the digestion of our food.
- Gut bacteria are involved in the process of harvesting energy from the foods we eat.
- The bacteria in the intestines help to correct imbalances of healthy and unhealthy bacteria.
- The gut microbiome helps to control our immune systems.
- According to new scientific research, the microbiome of the gut can affect your central nervous system. The communication system between your gut and brain is known as the Gut-Brain-Axis.
- The gut microbiome plays a role in gut health and it may have an effect on diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Tips to Support your Gut Microbiome
Diet has a powerful influence on the gut microbiome. You can improve your gut microbiome in various ways.
- Limit processed foods and sugar in your diet
- Repopulate your gut with healthy prebiotic and probiotic foods – see our recipes!
- Eat a wide variety of foods
- Add some whole-grains to your diet
- Only take antibiotics when it is absolutely necessary
Trust your gut!
Even though there is still much to be learned about the microbiome, new discoveries are starting to reveal the potential roles that it may have in the future. The experts are now saying that having the correct balance of gut bacteria could possibly be the key to a long happy life. Wouldn’t you agree?
