What is the gut microbiome and how does it affect our health
A microbiome is a community of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes) in a specific environment. Humans are the home to many different microbiomes across our whole body -- in our gut, mouth, eyes, nose, skin, and more. These microbes can influence our health and wellness in a vast number of ways.
The microbiome in our gut is the largest in our body, with a community of about 100 trillion microbes^2. Of all the bacteria in and on you, an astounding 95% reside in your gut. Bacteria in the gut contribute to the normal functioning of the digestive system and organ systems all over the human body. Microbes also contribute to many other aspects of health.
Wood reported that “In one groundbreaking experiment, [Jeffrey] Gordon’s group transplanted gut microbes from both genetically obese mice and lean mice into a group of germ-free mice, which were specially raised to have no microbes. Despite all the mice eating the same diet, the mice who received microbes from obese mice gained more weight.”^1.
When eating the same diet, mice who received gut microbes from obese mice gained more weight than mice who received lean gut microbes. It was the gut microbes alone that had this impact on their mice. So how can your gut microbiome influence your health?
How The Gut Microbiome Affects Our Health:
Food Allergies:
Our gut microbiome can influence the development of food allergies and sensitivities.
Nutrients:
Microbes are necessary to produced Vitamins B and K.
Gut health and Gastrointestinal Disorders:
The gut microbiome can influence the overall health of your gut and your likelihood of developing leaky gut, Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (IBD) and more.
Blood sugar:
Your gut microbiome can influence your blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
Immune system:
70% of the immune system was found to reside in the gut^2. Cohen reported that “the foods we eat affect the diversity and composition of bacteria in the gut, which in turn affect immune cells.”^2
Produces many neurotransmitters:
* Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry messages all throughout the body. They allow the brain to communicate with the rest of the body.
Serotonin plays many roles throughout the body, including regulating mood and stress. It also influences bone health, sleep, blood clotting and more. Drugs for depression often increase serotonin levels in the body, so it is easy to understand why this neurotransmitter is so important. About 90% of the serotonin in your body is made in your gut.
Melatonin helps regulate your circadian rhythm (your internal clock) to help you sleep.
Dopamine accounts for your feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. About 50% of the dopamine in your body is produced in the gut.
GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is still being researched but is believed to relieve pain, lower blood pressure, manage mood, act as an antidepressant and more.
Mental health:
Many neurotransmitters related to mood are produced in the gut. Therefore the gut microbiome can have an extensive impact on your mental health. For example, your gut microbiome can influence your risk for depression and anxiety.
Check out this article by Medical News Today to learn more about how you can support your gut microbiome: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325293#reduce-stress
1
Wood, M. How the microbiome affects human health, explained. UChicago News.
2
Cohen, S. (2021, March 19). If you want to boost immunity, look at the gut. UCLA Health.
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