Your microbiome is a diverse community of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that live in and on your body.
You may have heard of the gut microbiome, but they are also present all over our skin and in our eyes, mouth and genitals... basically we're teeming with them.
This might sound a bit scary, but in fact humans cannot live without the microbiome.
It is what is called a ‘symbiotic relationship', which means that both humans and the microbiome benefit… humans provide a habitat and nutrients for the microorganisms, while the microbiome contributes to various aspects of human health and wellbeing.
The microbiome needs to be nurtured for it to be beneficial, and here’s why.
It is vital for good digestive health
The microbiome is vital for digestion. It helps to break down food, extract nutrients and produce essential vitamins and enzymes. A balanced microbiome leads to better digestion and fewer issues like constipation or bloating.
It is a key component of the immune system
Your microbiome is your body's first line of defence. It can protect against harmful pathogens, train the immune system to recognise threats, and promote immune tolerance to prevent autoimmune responses.
It promotes mental wellbeing
The ‘gut-brain axis’ is the connection between the gut and the brain. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which have effects on mood and behaviour.
It helps you to maintain a healthy weight
A diverse and balanced microbiome can support your weight management efforts by influencing appetite regulation, inflammation and metabolism.
It helps you to absorb nutrients
Your microbiome helps your body to absorb nutrients. For example, bacteria in the gut can break down phytic acid, a compound found in grains and legumes that can inhibit the absorption of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. By breaking down phytic acid, these bacteria make these minerals more bioavailable for absorption by the human body.
It helps keep your skin looking and feeling great
Your microbiome helps to regulate the skin's pH, reduce inflammation, maintain hydration, stimulate the production of collagen, and help wounds to heal.
It can prevent you from developing chronic illnesses
There's evidence that maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome can reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, depression and cardiovascular disease (1).
It synthesises vitamin K (specifically vitamin K2)
This fat-soluble vitamin is needed for blood clotting, bone health, cardiovascular health, cell growth, brain health and reducing inflammation.
Reference
Hills RD Jr, Pontefract BA, Mishcon HR, Black CA, Sutton SC, Theberge CR. Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease. Nutrients. 2019 Jul 16;11(7):1613. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682904/
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