What is the Gut Microbiome, and Why is it So Important?

What is the gut microbiome? The short answer is that it’s the collection of billions of “good” bacteria that live in your gut. The longer answer is that these bacteria play an instrumental role in not just effective digestion, but in whole-body health. As science tells us more and more about the microbiome, it becomes increasingly clear that the bacteria in our bodies affect a variety of our biological processes, from battling pathogens to promoting neurological health. Today, we’re delving a bit deeper into the microbiome in order to examine some of its functions – and the best ways to keep it thriving – in a bit more detail. Let’s dive in.

Your Gut Microbiome Explained

Your gut microbiome is the collection of all the bacteria that live within your gut. Contrary to what many people believe, not all bacteria are threats to our health. In fact, our gut microbiota are critical to many of our body’s processes, and when these bacteria are healthy, they have a huge positive impact on our overall health. Each person’s microbiome consists of billions of these good bacteria, and much like a fingerprint, every individual’s microbiome is unique to them. With that said, why are microbiota – and gut microbiota in particular – so impactful to our overall health? What exactly do they do? Let’s take a closer look.

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The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Overall Health

Perhaps the most obvious role of the gut microbiome is in aiding our digestive processes. For one, the good bacteria that live in our gut help our bodies process difficult-to-break-down compounds like starch and fiber. This enables us to absorb the nutrients within fiber- or starch-rich foods, minimizing the risk of constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. The breakdown of these compounds set off a chain reaction in the body: it aids in muscular development and has been linked to the prevention of several illnesses, like colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis.

What many people may not know is that the gut microbiome has impacts that go beyond our digestive system. It also plays a role in our immune health. The “good” bacteria in our gut help to detect pathogens that enter our bodies through food consumption, often alerting our immune cells and instigating an immune response quickly enough to prevent serious illness.

More and more studies are finding interesting links between our gut microbiome and our neurological system. This phenomenon, also called the “gut-brain connection,” refers to the connection between gut bacteria and the brain through neurotransmitters and the vagus nerve. In fact, about 95% of the body’s amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin is produced in the gut. What does this mean? In short: it means that there is a significant connection between the gut and the brain, and that poor gut health has been linked to struggles with mental health, including increased rates of stress, anxiety, and depression.

How to Keep Your Microbiome in Great Shape

The gut microbiome is a crucial part of overall health and wellness, and keeping it healthy can have a lasting positive long-term impact on our health. How can you protect your gut microbiome and set your body up for success?

Eat a diet that’s rich in probiotic foods, like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi.
Maintain an active lifestyle by aiming for about 30 minutes or more of daily exercise. This doesn’t have to mean heavy-duty, high-intensity workouts: even a long daily walk can have major health benefits.
Maintain a varied diet that’s rich in plant-based, whole foods while avoiding processed foods that are high in sugar.
Always consult with a physician before taking any antibiotics or supplements.

Our gut microbiome is one of our greatest allies when it comes to promoting and maintaining long-term health. By following the tips above, you’ll be setting a solid foundation for a healthy gut.

What is the gut microbiome? We hope this has been a helpful resource when it comes to answering that question, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. The best way to understand your unique microbiome is to take a closer look at it with a physician, then map out a customized plan to maximize your microbiome’s health. To get started, we invite you to check out our resources – including a video with Dr. Stacey – that further explain the role of the microbiome.

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