Photo by Silviarita
The human microbiome is much more than just digestive health. It is an entire ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in our bodies and contribute to our overall wellness. Most of the attention surrounding this complex system has focused on the role that it plays in gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease. However, research is beginning to uncover its far-reaching effects on many other aspects of health including brain chemistry.
Recent studies have suggested a connection between microbiome imbalances and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even schizophrenia. The exact mechanisms behind these correlations are still being explored but one potential explanation could be that certain kinds of microbes produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can affect moods and behavior.
Introduction
When I was in high school, my biology teacher told us that we would be able to predict the future of medicine by studying the microbiome. He was right, and it turns out that things are more complicated than we thought. In this article, you will learn what a microbiome is and how it relates to your health.
Microbiome is currently one of the hottest fields of research.
The microbiome is currently one of the hottest fields of scientific research. It refers to the collection of bacteria that live on and inside your body.
The microbiome isn’t just about your gut—it also includes all the bacteria that live on your skin and in your mouth, including some species you’ve never heard of before like Akkermansia muciniphila (or “Akkie,” for short).
Microbiome has benefits for the brain, skin, eyes, and intestines.
When you hear the word “microbiome,” what do you think? Most people immediately think of digestive health and how our gut bacteria can influence digestion. But there’s more. The microbiome also has benefits for the skin, eyes, brain, and intestines. It even affects our immune system by influencing inflammation levels and other important functions in the body that help keep us healthy.
How to boost your microbiome
There are many different ways to boost your microbiome: eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi (for example) or taking a daily probiotic supplement can help make sure that the good bacteria stay strong in their numbers in your system. Additionally, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will give them an extra boost of nutrients that help keep them alive!
It is not necessary to have a diverse microbiome in order to be healthy.
While it is important to have a healthy microbiome, the truth is that you can be healthy without having a diverse one. The microbiome is still being studied by scientists, so we don’t know all there is to know about how our gut bacteria affect our health. In fact, some studies have shown that having too much diversity in your microbiome can actually be harmful! So while it’s great to learn more about your own personal microbiome and how it affects your health, don’t feel like you need to go crazy with supplements or probiotics just because everyone else seems to be doing them these days.
Scientists are still investigating how the microbiome influences health.
It’s also important to note that scientists are still investigating how the microbiome influences other health issues, such as obesity and autoimmune disease.
The NIH is funding research into how the microbiome affects mental health, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Research has already shown that people with ASD have different kinds of bacteria in their guts compared to those without ASD. Scientists are now looking at ways to modify the gut microbiota of children with ASD by giving them specific supplements or antibiotics (which change the bacteria in your digestive system).
Current scientific findings are fascinating and it will be interesting to see how they branch out into new discoveries
Current scientific findings are fascinating and it will be interesting to see how they branch out into new discoveries.
The microbiome is a hot topic right now, but scientists are still investigating how the microbiome influences health. We don’t know everything about the microbiome yet, and this will keep scientists busy for a long time to come!
Conclusion
The microbiome is increasingly being recognized as a critical factor in overall health. Research continues to reveal how our microbial ‘friends’ are involved in a much wider range of functions than we once believed. From brain chemistry, skin, and respiratory health to mood and the regulation of the immune system, it is clear that proper balance of the microbiome is essential for optimal well-being. Understanding the microbiome can help each of us make informed decisions about our lifestyle choices and how to better support our overall health.
This article has given you a glimpse into the world of microbiomes. There is still much more to explore and discover, but by understanding how important this little organ is for our health, it can help us live happier and healthier lives.
Author: Bliss
Dedicated to making a positive difference for people, animals, and this beautiful planet!
