Health, Nutrition and the importance of the microbiome
Health, Nutrition, and the role of the Microbiome.
Over the last few years, I have come to understand more and more how important the health of Microbiome is to the rest of our body.
A little bit more information about the Microbiome:
The human gastrointestinal microbiome is, in and of itself, a complex ecosystem; itis a “microbial organ” within the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal microbiome is dominated by anaerobic bacteria and includes approximately 500-1,000 species whose collective genomes are estimated to contain 100 times more genes than our genome own human.
When the intestinal ecology is altered, so too is the health of the host; studies show that the maintenance of a healthy microbiome is inseparable from host health. These microbes influence physiological function (particularly metabolism), local mucosal homeostasis, inflammation, andimmunity. Supporting a healthy microbiome is an important cornerstone for immune health and response to infections, as well as overall resilience.
The microbiome is not static but moving and changing all the time, and imbalances in gut microbial composition or dysbiosis may affect inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Alterations to the gut microbiota could start at the earliest stages of life; disruption of the developing microbiota in infancy can contribute to the risk of immune and metabolic disease as an adult. At the other end of the age spectrum, in a large study of the elderly, reduction of microbial diversity is associated with a shift toward a monotonous diet; the loss of diversity was also linked with increased markers of inflammation and frailty.
What are the signs of an unhealthy gut?
Because your gut controls somany areas of your health, you don’t have to have typical gut symptoms to have gut problems. These are a few of the far-reaching health problems your gut has influence over.
Your poor gut health may trigger conditions such as:
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Mental Health Disorders
- Poor Immune Health
- Heart Disease
- Type II Diabetes
- Skin Conditions
- Weight Gain and Obesity
- Acid Reflux or GERD
- Cancer
- Asthma or Chronic Sinus Infections
- Constipation or Diarrhea
How do I know if my gut is healthy?
1. Through an in depth consult with me we can work out together if you have a leaky gut. This is the the first step to healing your gut lining and Supporting digestion in the right way.
2. A comprehensive stool analysis, GI Map
This test can uncover everything from the presence of Parasites to bacterial imbalances to conditions like candida overgrowth or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) or SIFO (small intestinal fungalovergrowth)—any of which can negatively impact gut health.
This test will also uncover your immune function markers, Fat digestionand pancreas function.
