What Is the Gut Microbiome?

Your gut microbiome is a community of trillions of microorganisms—mostly bacteria, but also fungi and other microbes—that live in your large intestine. Scientists have identified over 15,000 species of microbes in the gut—some research suggests the number may be closer to 39,000 species. It’s an entire universe inside you!

Though invisible to the eye, these tiny helpers play a powerful role in your physical, mental, and even emotional health. Their overarching role of helpful microbes are to provide resilience.

 So What? Why It Matters

In order to grasp why the gut microbiome matters, you must understand what it DOES. When you realize this, then you can begin to comprehend why it matters so much. The microbiome:

• Creates nutrients for cellular energy and synthesizes essential vitamins.

• produces neurotransmitters that impact mood.

• influences blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.

• 70% of the  immune system is strategically placed in the gut lining—ready to respond the moment it detects threats in seconds. The immune system relies heavily on microbes to be able to detect harmful pathogens to keep homeostasis.

• Produces anti-inflammatory compounds that nourishes gut lining cells.

• strengthens the intestinal barrier and prevents "leaky gut".

Microbiome Health

And since we know that the brain is directly tied to the gut through the Gut-Brain Axis, the health of the microbiome (the gut) can influence the brain (mood). Research has found, that if the microbiome is unhealthy, known as dysbiosis, the effects ripple outward as seen in:

• neurotransmitter production drops which can put individuals at risk for mood disorders, poor sleep, and even some neuropsychiatric conditions.

• Communication between the gut and brain weakens.

• Stress and inflammation rise, contributing to chronic diseases and neuroinflammatory diseases like Alzheimer's Disease.

• Gut lining is compromised triggering the immune system response and lead to "leaky" gut and a host of other health issues.

• When the microbiome becomes imbalanced, dysbiosis triggers inflammation and can drive "leaky gut" which worsens dysbiosis driving further. Leaky gut is considered to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of intestinal disorders such as IBD and IBS, mood disorders, autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, and systemic inflammation.

 Microbiomes Beyond the Gut

Did you know the human body is covered with microbiomes? They’re found in the mouth, skin, lungs, urogenital tract, and eyes. Their overarching role of helpful microbes are to provide resilience.

Learn some tips on how to foster a healthier Gut Microbiome here