I have done my best to scrape and dig at the surface to bring you an introduction to this new, exciting field of science.  Microbes are everywhere, and have been here since the beginning of time.  Numerous and diverse, microbes are yeasts, parasites, protozoan, fungi, viruses and bacteria and they live all over your body.  That image sounds frightening, but if they are part of a healthy host, they will do their job: creating a healthy metabolism, functioning immune system, inflammation regulation, and even impact our mental health.  That’s a tall order!  Most of these microbes live in the gut, but it’s the bacteria of all the critters that collaborate with your physiology and good health. Here are the roles of our gut microbiome (Micro “Small” and Biome “a naturally occurring community of flora that resides in the body”)

Role of our Gut Microbiome

1. Aid in digestion and absorption and thus, metabolism

2. Create a physical barrier against invaders

3. Neutralize toxins so the liver doesn’t have too

4. Influence immunity and prevent autoimmunity

5. Release of important chemicals for your brain health

6. Influence hormones which can help with stress and anxiety

7. Help with sleep

8. Help control inflammation 

Our early life can determine the type and genetic makeup of the microbiome.  Researchers know babies who are more prone to obesity and asthma have a very different microbiome from healthy babies, and they are testing to see if early intervention to balance the microbiome can be achieved and reverse the fate of illness and disease.

We receive our microbes from our mother (thanks mom!) during childbirth and through breast milk.  We later receive microbes from our food (hopefully healthy), people we are around, and our environment.  Whether we grew up in a city or in the sticks can determine our biome diversity.  The more rural, the more diverse biome.

If you spend a lot of time indoors, you are missing out from the native biomes that naturally live outside.  Indoors tends to have recirculated air as well as disinfectants, killing all microbes.  This past 18 months saw a rise of sanitizers because of the coronavirus. In public spaces, it was unavoidable not to wipe things down or spray your hands.  But it kills the bad with the good.  When there isn’t a diversification of microbes, people tend towards autoimmune disease or allergies, even depression.  Food sources, animal feed (grass fed always), and soil health are so important as it creates more diversity for a happy microbiome and a happy body.   

Scientists are studying the microbiome as a means and a solution to help ADHD, asthma, autism, allergies, food sensitivities, mood disorders, depression and anxiety, diabetes, sugar cravings, obesity and weight loss issues, memory issues, poor concentration, chronic constipation or diarrhea, frequent colds or infection, intestinal disorders such as celiac, IBS, insomnia, painful joints, arthritis, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, chronic yeast issues, skin problems such as eczema or acne, dental problems, Tourette syndrome, extreme menstruation or menopause.  

Phew, that seems like a lot.  But I’ll have to keep you in suspense until next time.  There is so much to unpack here.  How can bacteria in our stomach have so much control over the body?  Part 2 will take a deeper look on how microbiome affect us on so many levels, also called the Gut Brain Axis.  Part 3 will look at what helps build and what destroys our microbiota.  

Meanwhile, if you want to start your own deep dive into this fascinating science, I really recommend Dr David Perlmutters’ “Brain Maker”.