Expert Insights

What the Microbiome!

     The microbiome is a community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in your body. In your gut alone, you have trillions of microbes some good, and some not so great.  When these microbes are good, they promote a healthy gut and prevent digestive issues.  These bacteria help digest food, and produce nutrients for your body. It also influences immune system and communicates with the brain via the gut-brain axis influencing mood, behavior and even neurological issues. (Brigham and Womens Sept 20,2024)  A healthy microbiome protects against harmful bacteria colonizing, creating a barrier against infection.  It also influences metabolism, hormones and produces short chain fatty acids which are absorbed by body and used for energy.

     Hippocrates, a greek physician and philosopher from 400 bc (yes, over 2000 years ago) famously stated, "All disease begins in the gut," and " let food be thy medicine." These concept resonate strongly with microbiome research today.  Although not all diseases begin in the gut, 80% of immune cells reside in the intestinal tract.  A diet rich in fiber and diverse nutrients supports and feeds the microbiome, which in turn supports the body.  Chronic stress, smoking, alcohol, medications such as antibiotics, and processed foods are some of the issues that can negatively affect the microbiome and immune system.  Dysbiosis, is an imbalance of healthy microbes and/or overgrowth of harmful bacteria.  Dysbiosis can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and are involved in many gastrointestinal disorders.

     So let's give our microbial community a shout out for all it's hard work in keeping our bodies healthy and functioning properly....or if your microbial community is not running up to par, a few tweaks in your diet and lifestyle choices maybe just what your body needs to run like a fine tuned machine.