Bacteria plays a large part in achieving a strong immune system and keeping us healthy. Most people think of bacteria as a cause of getting sick or developing disease. However there are actually billions of beneficial bacteria present within all of us. Bacteria make up our microbiome, an integral internal ecosystem that benefits our gut health and our immune system. So we need to think of bacteria as a good thing in our body. Some are actually crucial for boosting immunity, keeping our digestive system running smoothly, our hormone levels balanced and our brain working properly. So, lets find out what is the microbiome and why it is so important and how we can protect it.
What is the Human Microbiome?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic living things are referred to as microorganisms, or microbes, for short. Trillions of these microbes exist mainly inside your intestines and on your skin. Most of the microbes in your intestines are found in a “pocket” of your large intestine called the cecum, and they are referred to as the gut microbiome. Although many different types of microbes live inside you, bacteria are the most studied. According to the Department of Chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Colorado, “the human microbiota consists of the 10-100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells harbored by each person, primarily bacteria in the gut. the human “microbiome” consist of the genes these cells harbor. Our individual microbiomes are sometimes called our genetic footprints since they help determine our unique DNA, heredity factors, predisposition to diseases, body type and body set point weight and much more. The microbiome can be confusing because it is smaller than most organs It is far reaching and tied to so many bodily functions. It has been said by some researcher that up to 90 percent of all diseases an be traced in some way back to the gut and health of the microbiome. Pure gut health can contribute to leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune diseases, disorders lite arthritis, dementia, heat disease, and cancer. The foods you eat, how you sleep, the amount of bacteria you are exposed to on a daily basis and the level of stress you live will all help establish the state of your microbiota.
The Microbiome Diet
Your diet plays a big part in establishing gut health and supporting your microbiome’s good bacteria. In recent years research revealed there is a link between microbiota, digestion, body weight, and metabolism. Your gut health can impact how your body extracts nutrients from your diet and stores fat. Gut microbiota seem to play an important role in obesity. Changes in bacterial strains in the gut have shown to lead to changes in health and body weight. A test with mice showed that when lean germ free mice received a transplant of gut microbiota from fat mice, they acquired more body fat without even increasing food intake. . The conclusion was that gut bugs influence hormone production nutrient extraction and fat storage.
Foods That Promote Inflammation
Now that you see it is critical to lower inflammation and support gut health lets take a look at how you can go about it. Many natural foods can lower inflammation and help increase good bacteria in the gut. High antioxidant foods help reduce gut damage. Foods that should be the base of diet are…
- Healthy Fats – Butter, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil
- Green Leafy Vegetables – Spinach, Kale, and Collards
- Nuts – Almonds and walnuts
- Fatty Fish – Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
- Fruits – Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges (not juice)
- Fresh Vegetables – Beets, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and tomatoes
- Herbs & Spices – Turmeric, ginger, basil, oregano, thyme, plus green tea and organic coffee in moderation
- Probiotics – Yogurt, kombacha, kvass, kefir, or cultured veggies
- Wine and Dark Chocolate – In moderation, several times per week or a small amount daily
Bottom Line for Gut Health
The Bottom Line is your gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes. The gut microbiome plays a very important role in your health by helping control digestion and benefiting your immune system and many other aspects of health. An imbalance of unhealthy and healthy microbes in the intestines may contribute to weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and other disorders. To help support the growth of healthy microbes in your gut, eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods.
Synergy Holistic Health Helps Clients With Whole Food Nutrition and Response Testing
Nutrition Response Testing is an interesting and fun way to learn what supplements your body needs and what your nutritional priorities are for health and healing. It is a way of communicating with the body using a specific type of muscle testing called kinesiology. Nutrition Response Testing also tries to identify if there is something interfering with the body’s communication system or interfering with its ability to heal.
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About Synergy Holistic Health Center
SYNERGY Holistic Health Center supports you in your journey towards health, happiness, and wholeness, and to provide a safe space for that transformation to unfold. Our commitment is to honor you and your choices, and to provide guidance, education, and skills to support your goals so that you can experience your optimum health and highest personal potential.
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