"Certainly! The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, that inhabit various parts of our bodies, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and mucous membranes. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining our health and performing essential functions.
The human microbiome is incredibly diverse, containing trillions of microorganisms that collectively outnumber our own cells. While bacteria are the most abundant microbes in the microbiome, other microorganisms also contribute to its complexity and functionality.
Here are some key points about the microbiome:
Function: The microbiome is involved in a wide range of functions that impact our health. It aids in digestion and the breakdown of dietary components that our bodies cannot process alone, such as complex carbohydrates and fiber. It also produces certain vitamins (like vitamin K and some B vitamins) and helps regulate the immune system.
Gut Microbiome: The gut microbiome is the most extensively studied and influential part of the microbiome. It is primarily located in the large intestine and is composed of various bacterial species. These bacteria contribute to digestion, nutrient absorption, and the synthesis of certain substances that affect our metabolism and immune function.
Diversity and Composition: The composition of the microbiome varies among individuals, influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, environment, lifestyle, and medication use. Each person has a unique microbiome "fingerprint." However, there are also commonalities and core microbial species shared among individuals.
Balance and Dysbiosis: A healthy microbiome is characterized by a balanced and diverse community of microorganisms. Disruptions to this balance, known as dysbiosis, can occur due to factors like antibiotic use, poor diet, stress, or certain diseases. Dysbiosis has been associated with various health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, allergies, and even mental health issues.
Research and Advancements: The study of the microbiome is a rapidly evolving field, and ongoing research continues to uncover its intricate connections to human health. Scientists are exploring the links between the microbiome and conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even neurological conditions.
Understanding the microbiome's role in health and disease has led to the development of new therapeutic approaches, such as probiotics (beneficial bacteria), prebiotics (substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria), and fecal microbiota transplantation (transferring healthy microbiota to restore balance). However, much more research is needed to fully comprehend the complexity and potential therapeutic applications of the microbiome. It's important to note that while the microbiome has a significant impact on our health, individual factors and medical advice should guide any decisions or interventions related to maintaining a healthy microbiome."
With this being said, there are and can be times where there will be some issues with gut health based on the dysfunction of the microbiome. Here are some things that will help as mentioned:
Add fermented foods to the diet and partake in them daily.
Take a great probiotic. Here in office and on our online marketplace, we have access to different and very beneficial probiotics that will give you a change also overnight in feeling.
See your primary care physician, a health care provider, a chiropractic internist, a chiropractic nutritionist, or a naturopathic physician. The latter three are highly skilled in treating the gut microbiome to prevent and aid in curing selected illnesses and diseases.
Outdoor exercises at least three times a week. Walking, jogging, gardening, or even outdoor yoga all have great effect and can even increase healthy gut flora.
Drink plenty of water. 64 ounces is great but all in all it depends on how you feel and based on the appearance of fecal material upon transit. ( AKA- drink to where your poo looks like a sausage and you do not have to strain AND you poo anywhere between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours after having a meal.
Stay away from sugar and especially High Fructose Corn Syrup. Because of how it is processed, the body usually begins breaking down sugars as soon as the saliva in the mouth with chewing. Because the body is more ancient than our current lifestyle is, the body does not know how to properly process high fructose corn syrup and can be stored as fat and can turn on or off genes that were helping the body such as cancer suppression or even delayed energy to selected cells. ( This is a note- NO processed foods as they can be damaging to the gut flora.)
Get Adjusted! There is research which states that the microbiome has been altered in a good way. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7532697/ )
We will continue to speak more about the microbiome with further blog posts. If there are any questions, feel free to contact us. There will be more posts about the microbiome. Stay hydrated, stay moving, eat well, and GET ADJUSTED!
Dr. Fregoso from Jade Orchid Wellness.
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