Gut microbiome and a good supply of it, has a whole wealth of benefits and is more important to you than you think! The “virus” (who needs a reminder of its awful name) has certainly made us all think harder about our immune systems, and how our bodies fight such deadly attacks. I am only thankful that as a person who struggled with so many coughs, colds and flu’s all her younger life, I paid attention to my Vitamin D3 and gut microbiome years before this nasty virus struck! Carry on reading, or watch the video below.
On a lighter note it is said that having good gut microbiome would probably have enabled Napoleon to have won the Battle of Waterloo, but he was riddled with stomach and digestion health problems. So if you think that you can ignore having good gut microbiome, then do so at your peril!
More concerning is the fact that micro plastics have also been found in the gut. I feel more attention needs to be paid to gut microbiome, as it is becoming more like an additional organ in the body.
Apparently we have (or should have) 100 trillion bacteria in the gut, which is ten times more than human cells. It is almost like we are walking bacteria. The gut bacteria weighs around 4lbs in weight, which astonished me to know. How we get our first dose of good bacteria is also interesting. Research has found that as we are born and go through the birth canal, we are getting our first dose of good microbiomes. The next comes from breast feeding. So that maybe answers why those scientists who study birth and early years, suggest that mothers deliver both naturally and feed their child naturally as much as possible. This is not always possible, for many different reasons but if a mum can give birth naturally and breastfeed, then this will help with the baby and its immune system. That said, parents can make sure that their children get good gut microbiomes by what they eat. Cutting down on junk food is one positive way forward.
A killer of a good gut microbiome is antibiotics. Doctors thankfully do not hand them out so frequently now, but for babies and children they could be causing immune system issues. We all know that as a baby develops, it picks up germs off things, and gets coughs and colds etc. However awful it is (I know as a Mum we hate to see them poorly) antibiotics should be the very last thing we give them, unless necessary. Some researchers have said that overuse of antibiotics at a young age could be a link to obesity as well in later years.
Can good gut microbiome help with mental health and depression?
There is much research done to suggest that not only does a good gut microbiome support our immune system but that it could help our mental health, Further studies are being conducted into links to depression, anxiety and gut health.
Ever had butterflies in your stomach over something? Well, the ENS (Enteric Nervous System) is in our stomach lining. So there could be a lot more to stress, mental health etc, than we really know yet.
Does everyone have the same gut microbiome?
No. Thats the interesting thing, apparently it is a bit like our own unique thumbprint, so it can be difficult to pinpoint how your own gut microbiome is, without lab tests. That said, you can always boost it no matter what with what you eat, without the lab test!
Can good gut microbiome help with other health issues?
Again great research is finding out more information all the time. However for those with issues such as diabetes, MS, Parkinsons, arthritis, skin issues it is suggested that they try and assist their gut microbiome with diet as best they can. I can only say that since I paid attention to increasing my gut microbiome then my existing issues have pretty much paled into insignificance. It may not cure you completely, but it may help you in some way with symptoms. Nothing ventured nothing gained, so give it a try.
Can good gut microbiome help with weight loss?
On a personal level I can say yes! I lost three stone with my plan which focuses on high fibre and fitness and ditching junk food. As high fibre foods contribute to good gut health and that helped me lose weight, then I feel that is definitely linked.
What foods help give you good gut microbiome?
Kimchi, Kefir, Miso, Sauerkraut are all fermented style foods which have great gut microbiome benefits. It is also interesting to note that certain countries eat a lot of this food, and they have good health stats. So could there be something more to this?
Fibre is a big one. I am always banging on about fibre. Fibre is excellent for weight loss and other health issues (plus helps you feel full for longer) but it is also assists good gut microbiome! A list of fibre rich foods is on my fibre page. Remember that if you have a poor level of fibre in your diet, you gradually add it in so you don’t get tummy cramps.
Another great source is extra virgin olive oil, which I have plenty of. So get the fermented foods down you, as well as the fibre foods, fresh fruit and vegetables and pulses and ditch the junk food, or keep it in moderation!
I hope this article has given you a snapshot of gut microbiome and how we should be looking after it. For me, it deserves the same importance as your health health and other organs.