The microbes that live in the gut form a complex ecosystem and this is referred to as the gut microbiome. Research indicates the critical importance of gut microbiome in overall health with this army of microbes influencing not only gut health but also mood, metabolism and the immune system. It is essential to eat the right foods to keep the microbiome balanced and well-functioning. Learn how to feed yourself in a way that nurtures microbiome diversity for lifelong positive health effects.
The gut microbiota has many critical functions including:
- making essential vitamins such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin K and folates
- producing short-chain fatty acids that nourish the gut
- providing a functional barrier in gut wall to keep harmful substances out of the blood
- regulating the immune system with impacts on level of inflammation
- defending against disease-causing micro-organisms
- regulating body weight by influencing the amount of calories harvested from foods
- production of signalling molecules with impact on mental health often referred to as gut-brain-axis with two way communication
Many different diseases and conditions are characterised by a less diverse gut microbiome. The good news is that microbiota is responsive to dietary changes. You have the power to promote a more robust and diverse microbiome and in doing so reduce the risk of an array of modern chronic diseases. Make an appointment to learn how to feed yourself in a way that considers nurturing microbiome diversity for lifelong positive health effects.