Your Unique Gut Microbiome
What is the microbiome?
“Microbiome” is a collective term referring to the colonies of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies, complete with their instruction manuals and environment. Trillions of organisms including bacteria, fungi and other species inhabit the lining of your gut but are found all over the body including the skin. We can’t live without them, they have important and varied roles throughout our bodies and scientists are continuing to identify different species and what they are specific for. Each of us has our own unique blend of species ultimately contributing to our overall wellbeing.
Why do we have it?
The function of the microbiome in your body acts as a defence mechanism. We want it to be thick and healthy with the right balance and diversity of species so it can wage war against unwanted and unhealthy pathogens. Our microbiome is vital to our immune system. Our gut microbiome is responsible for producing nutrients like folate and B12 which we rely on for many functions in the body including mental health. More recent research is providing evidence that our microbiome has important roles in signalling to our brain and helping to modulate feel-good chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There is evidence of reduced microbiome diversity in depressed individuals.
How do we maintain it?
The microbiome relies on what you feed it, and if not fed properly it will begin to eat itself, this is problematic as the lining if the gut will begin to degrade. Microorganisms that form your microbiome include probiotics which are good bacteria that have important functions throughout the body. Prebiotics are food sources for probiotics, they include types of fibre, starch and specific types of healthy sugars. Eating diverse types of whole food provides nourishment so probiotics can multiply, processed foods that are high in fat and sugar will only encourage bad bacteria.
How do we check it?
The good news is that you can take a non-invasive sample at home, send it off to a lab and get your individual gut microbiome analysed! This involves putting a tiny bit of your poo on a cotton bud and sending it off in the post to a testing facility in Queensland which has developed advanced techniques in testing. A few weeks later you will receive a report telling you the state of your microbiome and what you should feed it based on your unique blend of species. Brain Gut Connect is trained to help you interpret the results and advise according to your specific needs. A healthy gut microbiome has unlimited benefits for optimal physical and mental functioning.