MICROBIOME
The Microbiome is the myriad of species found in your gut. That is to say your gastro intestinal tract. Every inch of your food pipe from mouth to anus.
Over the years, but especially in recent times research into how important and critical to overall health and wellbeing the Microbiome is is starting to filter into main stream society. Without getting bogged down in all the complicated research and findings, I wanted to highlight some crucial facts about the microscopic species found in our gut. Highlight some key ways we can improve the habitat for ‘GOOD’ bacteria which will have profound positive effects on your body and your life.
It is believed up to 35,000 species live in the human gut. Collected together they would weigh roughly 3-4 pounds. These species are made up of bacteria, yeasts, viruses, protozoans, eukaryotic parasites among many others. These all carry on important healthful roles within our gut. It’s not necessarily that there are GOOD, & BAD bacteria, all perform a function to a lesser or greater degree. But, it is important that there is a healthy balance.
Some amazing functions performed by the Microbiome:
- Aid digestion
- form a barrier against bad bacteria
- Provides a detoxification process in the gut
- Prevents Auto-immunity by controlling immune cells
- Helps regulate Hormone levels
- Huge controller of the body’s inflammatory pathway
- Communicates directly with the brain via the Vagus Nerve
One of the most fascinating aspects of recent research shows that the integral role the gut flora has on the hormones and immune systems. Evidence is showing the direct effect the gut flora has on hormones such as Cortisol and Adrenaline, key factors in ‘Chronic immune response’ which is responsible for many inflammatory disorders like, IBS, IBD, Chrons disease, Celiacs disease, ADD, ADHD, Obesity, Arthritis, Thyroid issues, Diabetes, Peripheral Neuropathy, Heart disease, the list goes on.
By improving the environment within our gut we can reverse and discover new levels in health and vitality.
Did you know that 80-90% of all our Serotonin (happy hormones) are produced in the gut! not the brain. Thats phenomenal!!
Did you also know that 70-80% of your total body immune system is in your gut!! It’s known as the GALT (gut associated lymphatic tissue).
If you are someone who has ever taken antibiotics, eaten packaged food packed with preservatives, bread, pasta, drink alcohol, eats sugar, suffers with wind, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea then its almost a certainty that you have a weakened gut Microbiome.
In my next post I will discuss ways in which we can all improve our gut flora and start feeling the positive effects of a NON INFLAMED state of health.
Stay tuned.
Author Lloyd Tilney B.Ost (Hons)