The microbiome is talked about frequently in today’s health and fitness industry, but how many people actually know what it is?
The human microbiome is the collection of microorganisms inside our bodies. There are trillions of these microbes and we have only recently started to discover more about the microbiome and its effect on us (the host).
Our gut is home to the largest numbers of these good bacteria, which is also found in other sites such as your mouth and skin. The microbiome is not just bacteria though, but also fungi, parasites and viruses.
Our first exposure to these microorganisms is as an infant during vaginal delivery and through breast milk. As you can imagine it’s very important for mothers to have a healthy microbiome.
How does the microbiome benefit us though?
The microbiome contributes to our immune system, synthesises vitamins, influences fat storage and even plays a role in human behaviour. Our microbiota in the large intestine contribute to the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through the fermentation of dietary fibre. These SCFAs are important for the regulation of metabolism, inflammation and disease. Symbiosis is a term used to express the mutually beneficial relationship between us and our microbiome. We provide these microbes with ‘food’ in the form of prebiotics, and they in turn supply a variety of benefits. Unfortunately, a state of dysbiosis can also occur, which is an imbalance in the microbial community. This can be caused through diseases (cancer, gut disorders), antibiotic use or poor nutrition choices.
How can we obtain a healthy microbiome?
Our daily nutrition plays a very significant role in determining what kind of microorganisms live in our gut. In particular, a diet rich in a variety of fibre types (also known as prebiotics, not to be confused with probiotics) act as ‘fuel’ for our microbiome and will positively influence the type and amount of microbiota. Consuming an abundance of vegetables, fruit and whole grains will ensure that you have a thriving microbiome.