What is your microbiome? The human microbiome is composed of bacteria, viruses and fungi that reside in and on our bodies. It has tremendous potential to impact overall health and disease risk. It helps regulate metabolism, protects against toxins/bacteria, and boosts immune function. This post will focus mainly on our gut microbiotia /flora (which is present in the small intestine and colon in varying quantities) and explain how gut dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria) greatly impacts our health.
There are numerous factors that affect the bacterial balance in our gut, and believe it or not the microbial makeup/strength of our gut begins as early as birth.
Functions of our gut flora:
- Regulates metabolism: Gut bacteria is able to produce a variety of vitamins, make all essential and nonessential amino acids, and is imperative in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- Immune Regulation: Bacteria in our gut produce antimicrobial compounds that block potential viruses or bacteria and alert our immune system to help warrant off a variety of illnesses.
- Gut-Brain Axis: Our brain communicates with the gut to help promote improved digestion and absorption as well as enhances immune function by way of producing mucin; a protein that binds/rids pathogens from the body.
Symptoms of Gut Dysbiosis may include:
- Loose Stools diarrhea, constipation
- Frequent gas, bloating, belching
- Acid reflux
- Unexplained weight gain and/or difficult weight loss
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)/ Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
- Depression and/or frequent low mood
- Halitosis (chronic bad breath)
- Joint pain
- Skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis)
- Low energy and chronic fatigue
- Diagnosis of an autoimmune condition
- Allergies and food sensitivities
- Chronic yeast or fungal infections
How does Gut Dysbiosis occur?
Factors that alter bacterial balance of the gut:
Internal
- Starts as early as birth. Improved gut flora is seen in vaginal vs. caesarean births as well as breast fed vs. formula fed infants
- During the first year of life, the composition of our gut flora shows many individual variations
External
- Environmental factors such as smog, air quality, exposure to toxins/molds etc.
- Food quality intake of whole foods vs. processed foods, pesticides, hormones, chemicals or preservatives added to foods
- Maternal gut flora can affect a future infant’s gut health for life
What the research is saying:
Strong link between gut and:
- Chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as IBS and IBD. Results in: bloating, poor digestion/absorption, “leaky gut”, constipation/diarrhea
- Metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity with an exponential risk for development of cancers
VS
Bacterial gut balance and:
- Strengthens your immune system
- Ensures improved alkalinity and prevents unwarranted inflammation within the body
- Bowel regulation
- Healthier weight
How to get your gut “in check”:
- Avoid Processed foods
- Buy Organic/Non GMO when financially feasible
- Limit external exposures when possible (ie. Smoking, poor air quality) as well as internal exposures that could be detrimental such as excess alcohol intake.
- Add probiotics into your daily routine to help balance out gut dysbiosis. These live cultures can provide a protective barrier for the gut, improve immune function, digestion and bowel motility, decrease pain, lower intestinal ph, and fight inflammation.
- Probiotics, especially Bifidobacteria, have been shown to influence immune-system function
- Particular strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium show beneficial effects on risks associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Sources of Probiotics include:
- Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, miso and tempeh
- Pickled Foods
- Yogurt
Don’t forget to eat Prebiotics TOO!
Prebiotics are indigestible carbohydrates that nourish/support the health of the good bacteria in our gut. A healthy diet rich in certain fresh fruits and vegetables is the best source of prebiotic foods. Best prebiotic sources include:
- Soluble fiber such as almonds, bananas, apples, yams, jicama, leeks, asparagus, chicory, garlic and onions. Legumes such as soybeans and complex grains such as whole-wheat and whole-grain oats.
Check out Megan shopping for some of her favorite pre- and probiotics below!
For additional information or tips on how to prevent or manage gut dysbiosis contact me on Instagram @foodrxrd or via email at foodrxrd@gmail.com. Visit milkandeggs.com to place your probiotic order today!
weSPARK Cancer Support Center is located in Los Angeles and offers completely FREE programs, workshops, classes and individual therapies to cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones. Remember to take a look at our monthly program schedule for more information about the services we offer.
Stay connected to weSPARK!
