Human Ecosystem

What is the gut microbiome?

 

There are literally trillions of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses in our gut. These bugs play a crucial role in educating our body and regulating immunity. Nature itself is diversity and the gut microbiome is no different – there is strength in diversity. When we lose the diversity of our microbiome, this is when problems set in and this loss is linked to all chronic disease. Hippocrates, regarded as the father of medicine, famously said many centuries ago that “All diseases begin in the gut” – this has now turned out to be true. The gut is our second brain and is in constant communication with our first brain. Our happy hormones are also predominantly made in the gut so gut health is intimately linked with mental health. Turns out our gut bugs love to eat and we need to nourish them by feeding them the good foods – hence eat the rainbow of vegetables. Science is now showing that all 4 pillars of health have important effects on our microbiome and gut health: Food, Movement, Sleep and Stress. The good news is that making changes can start to improve gut diversity and health within weeks.

 

 

 

Resources

Beyond Paleo: Heal your gut by Chris Kresser

https://chriskresser.com/beyond-paleo-6/

 

Benefits of fermented foods

https://chriskresser.com/benefits-of-fermented-foods/

 

Making fermented foods

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/beginners-guide-fermented-foods

https://www.culturesforhealth.com/learn/category/how-to-videos/

 

 

kombucha

Resources

Dietary fibre and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5390821/

 

Circadian disruption changes gut microbiome

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5909328/

 

Chronic stress promotes colitis by disturbing the gut microbiota and triggering immune system response

https://www.pnas.org/content/115/13/E2960.abstract